Introduction
When it comes to finding a great sandwich shop, there are certain red flags that should stop you in your tracks. From the quality of the ingredients to the cleanliness of the shop, there are a few key indicators that can help you determine if a sandwich shop is worth your time and money. In this article, we will discuss 11 sandwich shop red flags that should stop you in your tracks. We will look at the quality of the ingredients, the cleanliness of the shop, the customer service, and more. By understanding these red flags, you can make an informed decision about which sandwich shop is right for you.
11 Sandwich Shop Red Flags That Should Stop You in Your Tracks
When you’re looking for a great sandwich shop, there are certain red flags that should make you think twice before you order. Here are 11 sandwich shop red flags that should stop you in your tracks:
- Uncleanliness: If the sandwich shop looks dirty or unkempt, it’s a sign that the food may not be up to par. Look for signs of cleanliness, such as a clean kitchen and countertops.
- Outdated Food: If the sandwich shop is serving food that looks like it’s been sitting out for a while, it’s a sign that the food may not be fresh. Look for signs of freshness, such as freshly-made sandwiches.
- Unfriendly Staff: If the staff at the sandwich shop are unfriendly or unhelpful, it’s a sign that the customer service may not be up to par. Look for signs of friendliness, such as a welcoming atmosphere.
- Lack of Variety: If the sandwich shop only offers a limited selection of sandwiches, it’s a sign that the menu may not be very diverse. Look for signs of variety, such as a wide selection of sandwiches.
- High Prices: If the prices at the sandwich shop are higher than other sandwich shops in the area, it’s a sign that the food may not be worth the cost. Look for signs of reasonable prices, such as competitive prices.
- Long Wait Times: If the sandwich shop has long wait times, it’s a sign that the food may not be worth the wait. Look for signs of quick service, such as a fast-moving line.
- Unappetizing Food: If the food at the sandwich shop looks unappetizing, it’s a sign that the food may not be very good. Look for signs of appetizing food, such as freshly-made sandwiches.
- Unfriendly Atmosphere: If the atmosphere at the sandwich shop is unfriendly or unwelcoming, it’s a sign that the customer service may not be up to par. Look for signs of a friendly atmosphere, such as a welcoming staff.
- Lack of Quality Ingredients: If the sandwich shop is using low-quality ingredients, it’s a sign that the food may not be very good. Look for signs of quality ingredients, such as fresh vegetables and meats.
- Unprofessional Staff: If the staff at the sandwich shop are unprofessional or rude, it’s a sign that the customer service may not be up to par. Look for signs of professionalism, such as a courteous staff.
- Unsanitary Conditions: If the sandwich shop has unsanitary conditions, it’s a sign that the food may not be safe to eat. Look for signs of cleanliness, such as a clean kitchen and countertops.
If you see any of these red flags at a sandwich shop, it’s best to avoid it and find another place to get your sandwich. By being aware of these red flags, you can ensure that you’re getting the best sandwich possible.
Sub shops. Delis. Sandwich joints. According to the USDA, on any given day, 47% of Americans eat a meal between bread! Whatever you call them, a takeaway shop that makes sandwiches is a mainstay of our culture. You might stop during your workday to grab lunch, get a big sandwich to split after a hike or trip to the beach, or grab a hot sammie on your way home for an easy dinner. But how can you tell if the shop you’re going to will deliver?
Of course, not all sandwiches are created equal. When looking for a great sandwich, you want fresh ingredients, house-baked bread, and lots of tasty toppings. We spoke with chefs, bakers, and shop owners about what they look for in a deli, and shared the biggest red flags that indicate a sandwich shop or deli is a skip.
There’s only so much that a sandwich shop can do really well, say Jon and Hannah Young, owners and bakers at The Flour Shop in Connecticut. “When a menu is too long and varied it’s hard to expect that everything is being made the best it can be,” they told us. “A well-curated menu on the smaller side is a good sign that the sandwiches were thoughtfully created and have been executed many, many times and those are good indicators that you’ll be getting a quality sandwich.”
Kevin Ronald, chef and founder at Prepared Cooks, agrees, “An extensive menu with unreasonable combinations is a sign to think twice before placing an order. Variety only looks good if every item has a top-notch taste. And experimenting with sandwiches has never been appreciated. Classic combinations always take the forefront.”
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This is true of almost every restaurant, especially at peak hours, so consider yourself warned, the Youngs say. Also, if the staff seems happy, you’re probably going to get a good sandwich.
“People will always find the hidden gems big and small, and if they’re willing to wait in line then you can be sure they’ve found something special,” says the Flour Shop team. “There are many other signs of course, creativity of the menu, fresh and local ingredients, happy and friendly staff all usually point to a great spot.”
This should be a no-brainer, says Josh Garcia, VP at Miracle Mile Deli in Arizona. “Fresh bread. You can’t have a great sandwich without awesome bread. Do your research online and find out what bread choices you have as a customer,” explains Garcia. “If you feel so inclined, call the restaurant and ask where they get their bread from and ask how often it’s delivered or made in-house.”
Who doesn’t love a big sandwich? Garcia says to look for high-stacked sandwiches at a deli or sandwich shop, explaining, “If you like flavor, look for sandwiches that could potentially be stacked high and packed with flavor by including several ingredients. Size does matter when it comes to the portion size of a sandwich. Look for images and eat with your eyes first!”
If you’re trying to eat healthy, or just want to be mindful of what you put in your body, look for locally sourced meat, says chef and founder of Chef Ron, Ron Stewart. “It is always wise to look at the ingredients and quality of the food used in each item on the menu,” says Stewart. “Many sandwich shops use low-quality processed deli meats, which can be high sodium and contain artificial flavors and preservatives—this means any sandwiches made with them won’t taste as fresh or flavorful as they could be.”
Stewart goes on to say, “Whenever possible, look for restaurants that source their meat from local farms where animals have been humanely raised without hormones or antibiotics. Not only is this better for human health, but also animal welfare.”
This is a sneaky way to make you think their bread is fresh, says Chuck Sillari, owner and chef of Mortadella Head in Massachusetts.
“When a sub shop automatically toasts their sub rolls, there’s a good chance they’re disguising a stale roll. It’s probably yesterday’s bread,” explains Sillari. “This trick doesn’t really harm anyone—and lots of people like a toasted roll. But if you’re using a nice fresh roll from a local bakery, you don’t mess with it.”
While many shops bring in some of their products for sale, they should be making items like their own egg salad and other specials, says Stewart. “Freshness is key when it comes to ensuring both taste and safety when eating out,” he told us. “Look out for signs indicating that a restaurant prides itself in cooking everything from scratch and using locally sourced produce whenever available—like homemade pickles or daily-made sauces—these are all indications of excellent food hygiene standards being followed by staff members who care about offering great tasting sandwiches above all else!”
Speaking of cooking from scratch, Sillari says it’s a bad sign if you can’t smell the food cooking. “When I walk in I can actually smell real food cooking. It could be a pot of tomato sauce on the stove, meatballs baking in the oven, or onions frying up on the flat top,” he explains. “Whatever it is, you need to smell something. It’s a sign that the food is fresh. The scent of a sub shop will tell the whole story.”
Piles of pre-cut meat is a bad sign, says Yampa Sandwich Company franchise co-owner David Pepin, who explains, “Guests should think twice if they see a menu with overly processed ingredients and if all the meats are pre-sliced (this is a sign the sandwich shop does not execute any prep).”
This should go without saying, but it’s smart to eyeball the toppings if you can, says chef and founder of Foodlve, Amy Smith. “When the vegetables at a sandwich shop or deli look limp, sad, and not fresh, it’s a tell that they have been sitting around for a while,” says Smith. “You really don’t want those in your sandwich.”
It’s so important to keep the deli slicer clean, says Chef Jordan Quidachay of Kitchen Ambition. “For me, the number one red flag at a deli is if I ever see a dirty slicer. For me, that tells me there’s little regard for cleanliness or at least consistency in keeping things clean,” says Quidachay. “Considering deli meat is a highly volatile product when it comes to spoilage, cleanliness is the most important.”