Which Wich is a nationwide build-to-order sandwich chain with a customer experience one can only describe as “participatory.” Patrons enter the restaurant and first look at the overhead menu to determine which one of ten base sandwiches they want. More on this in a minute. Next, they pull the bag with the corresponding number out of the rack and mark on the bag the bread, toppings, and other attributes they want.
The ten bag categories (base sandwich types) are:
- Turkey
- Ham & Pork
- Beef
- Chicken
- Seafood
- Vegetarian
- Italian
- R&D (Special creations available for a limited time)
- Classics (e.g. BLT, Gyro)
- Breakfast
When you have finished, you write your name on the bottom of the bag and then go to the register to order. The whole process is crazy for a first-timer, although I do see some advantages to the frequent diners who lose patience trying to explain special orders.
The sandwich I ordered was the Turkey, Ham and Bacon Club. That’s bag number 1, check the “Club” bubble. It was accompanied by a standard bag of Doritos and a Coke product.
I found the sandwich to be tasty and satisfying. Served in a long roll, the ingredients were all tucked snugly inside the soft bread and was exactly what you’d expect. Sliced deli meats, mayo, etc. all in the proper proportions.
The restaurant I visited in Lake Mary, FL was uncrowded, even though it was lunch hour. The manager was proactive in helping newbies like me navigate the ordering process and the staff, overall, was friendly.
It’s interesting to see how sandwich shops like this are springing up to counter the Subway juggernaut. It helps that a sandwich franchise is probably one of the least expensive choices for a would-be restauranteur. The low start-up costs in equipment and the strip-mall rent make this formula, perfected by the big “S”, a winning one. The first location opened in Dallas in 2003, and they began franchising in 2005. In fact, “Franchise” is the first link you encounter on the Which Wich website. With that in mind, watch for Which Wich’s to appear near you and give them a try.