These sandwich shop innovations range from cannabis-pairing menus to sandwich delivery services that are conducted via parachute or with the help of a high-tech storage cart. As traditional sandwich shops regain their popularity among urban dwellers with a flair for nostalgia, the food retailers are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves from other, similar businesses.
Standouts from this list include sandwich shop Melt's aerated food containers that keep its grilled cheese recipes fresh and toasty for an extended time period. Other favorites include compartmentalized lunch kits from Al Parque. The food brand's portable lunchbox packaging is easy to transport and is ultimately mess-free.
When it comes to traditional delicatessen shops, an old world aesthetic is present among artisanal food retailers. On the other end of the spectrum, contemporary sandwich shops are remixing tradition and include yogurt cafe concepts, vegan-friendly pubs and even gourmet eateries that specialize in bite-sized subs.
16 Sandwich Shop Innovations
From Cannabis-Pairing Menus to Sandwich Cart Delivery Services:
Jana Pijak — May 26, 2015 — Lifestyle
15
Complete Lunch Kits
Al Parque's Portable Lunch Box Design Totes a Salad, Sandwich and Drink
14
Revealing Sandwich Packaging
This Sandwich Container Has Cutouts to Show the Meat Inside
13
Old World Delicatessan Interiors
This Helsinki Cafe and Deli Exudes a Rustic, Maritime Charm
12
Experimental Yogurt Cafes
Chobani SoHo Immerses Customers in Unique Flavors and Experiences
11
Hi-Tech Sandwich Carts
The Melt's SmartBox is Like an Oven on Wheels to Keep Grilled Cheese Hot
10
Local Sandwich Projects
This Urban Farm Experiment Creates the Ham and Cheese Tosti From Scratch
9
Cannabis-Pairing Menus
The Amsterdam Falafel Shop is Preparing a Tasting Menu in Time for 4/20
8
Chocolate Bar Sandwiches
First Kitchen's Kit Kat Sandwich Turns a Snack into a Meal
7
Bite-Sized Gourmet Subs
Toronto's Delysées Bakery Offers Sophisticated Mini Sandwich Creations
6
Hybrid Breakfast Sandwiches
This Cinnamon French Toast Breakfast Sandwich Blends Sweet & Savory
5
Aerated Sandwich Boxes
This Grilled Cheese Box by the Melt Ventilates to Keep Bread Toasty
4
Booze-Infused Sandwiches
The 'Salumé Panini Shop' Lets You Get Drunk From Eating
3
Fried Funnel Cake Sandwiches
Zombie Burger's Monstrous Funnel Cake Burger is Definitely a Must Try
2
Brioche-Based Lobster Donuts
This Boston Bakery Has a New Menu of Meaty Donut Sandwiches
1
Cozy Vegan Pubs
This Toronto Vegan Restaurant Serves Exclusively Vegan Fare
Related Ideas
Luxe Lunchtime-Inspired Accessories
The Louis Vuitton Sandwich Bag Elevates an Ordinary Item
Remixed QSR Meal Menus
The McDonald's Remix Menu Offers New Takes on Classic Items
Uniquely Themed Chocolate Bars
Compartés Launches Summer Chocolate Bar Capsules
Outdoor Dining Kits
Savour Helps Campers and Hikers Dehydrate Their Home-Cooked Meals
Minimalist QSR Packaging Designs
This Updated McDonald’s Japan Packaging Includes 70 Updates
Anti-Food Waste Delivery Services
Gopuff and Misfits Market Partnered to Expand Fresh Food Options
Modern Retail Café Concepts
The EL&N Deli & Bakery Opens its Doors in Shaftesbury Capital
Branded Grilled Cheese Restaurants
Armored Fresh Has Launched Its First Restaurant in Brooklyn
Soil Erosion Awareness Sandwich Ads
Hellmann's Aims to Save Sandwiches from Extinction
Savory Onigiri Croissants
Cafe W's Croissant Hybrids Play with Flavors Like Mayo and Pollack Roe
Ice Cream Sandwich Pop-Ups
Chips Ahoy! Pop-Up to Serve Free Ice Cream in NYC
Sandwich-Style Cookie Desserts
Schlotzsky’s and Cinnabon Collaborated on New Treats
Globally Inspired Sandwich Menus
Subway Canada Has Introduced Four New Globally Inspired Subs
Consumer-Driven Cafe Menus
The New Costa Coffee Menu Has Hot Milkshakes and More
Munchies-Themed QSR Menus
Popeyes Munchies Menu is Launching for a Few Days Only
Revived 90s Lunch Kits
Lunchables Lunch Kits are Arriving Back in Canada After a 15 Year Hiatus
Seasonal Christmas Sandwiches
The ALDI Christmas Sandwich Range Has New and Retuning Favorites
Cheese-Filled QSR Combos
Schlotzsky's Launched a New Mac & Cheese Menu Nationwide
Automated Hot Food Kiosks
Sodexo and Automated Retail Technologies Teamed Up for New Kiosks
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Savory On-the-Go Snack Bars
Fresh Food For Now Savory Bars Come in Two Flavors
Heat-and-Eat Breakfast Sandwiches
Mason Dixie's Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches Elevate Fast Food
Dippable Melty Sandwiches
Soup and Sandwich Pairings Inspired Panera Ciabatta Dippers
Plant-Based Toaster Pastries
Ghetto Gastro's Toaster Pastries are Powered by Whole Grains
Artisanal Bake-at-Home Loaves
Essential Shares Organic Bake-at-Home Bread in Innovative Packaging
Plant-Based Pastrami Sandwiches
Chunk Foods and Pastrami Queen Partnered to Modernize a Classic
Spicy Nacho-Inspired Sandwiches
Subway is Serving Up New Spicy Nacho Steak & Fiery Meatball Subs
Spicy Appetizer Sandwiches
The Potbelly Jalapeño Popper Chicken Sandwich is Crispy and Cheesy
Celebratory Convenience Market Menus
7-Eleven, Inc. Launches an Array of New Food Items and Deals
Leisure Activity Grocery Stores
The FreshTake Concept Grocery Store Blends Experiences
Savory-Sweet Bakery Sandwiches
The Panera Bread Breakfast Menu Has New Sandwiches and More
Snackable Back-to-School Lunches
Little Spoon's Lunchers are Nutritious Meals for Big Kids
Salad-Style QSR Sandwiches
The McDonald's Salad Burger is Available in New Zealand
Happy Desk Salad Kits
Little Leaf Farms Fights Back Against Stigma Around Eating at Your Desk
QSR Sandwich Sauce Ranges
Subway Sauces Bring the Brand's Condiments to the Kitchen
Summer-Themed Gourmet Chocolates
Compartés Chocolate Launches Elevated Summertime Collection
Automated Ice Cream Restaurants
The ColdSnap Will Be Offered in Restaurants in the Near Future
Unique Seasonal QSR Items
Chick-fil-A Unveiled a New Sensorial Burger and Banana-Flavored Treats
Heat-and-Eat Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Lunchables Grilled Cheesies are Ready in 60-Seconds
Integrative Garden Cafes
Cheongsudang Bakery Brings a Garden Experience in the Heart of Seoul
Pop-Up Plant-Based Food Stalls
This Impossible Foods Foodservice Concept is at XMarket in Chicago
Artisan-Inspired Summertime Cafe Menus
This New Dunkin’ Menu Offers New Twists on Classics
Fan-Made Merch Stores
The Wonder Shop Shares a Mix of Creator-Made Goods and Recipes
Plant-Based Parisian Sandwiches
La Vie's Vegan Club Sandwiches Come in Three Varieties
Freshness-Extending Food Packaging
SAVRpak Offers an Innovative Solution to Combat Food Waste
Grab-and-Go Organic Snack Bars
Dave's Killer Bread Organic Snack Bars are Headed to C-Stores
Homemade Food Delivery Partnerships
Grocer Sobeys Partners with Homemade Food Marketplace Cookin
Savory-Sweet Dessert Bagels
Museum of Ice Cream & Ess-A-Bagel Collaborated on an Ice-A-Bagel
Artisan-Quality Frozen Sandwiches
These New Red’s Sandwiches are Rolling Out Soon
Melty Triple-Layer Meat Sandwiches
The Perkins Mega Melts are Arriving Now in Four Options
Fiber-Based Sandwich Packaging
The Modified Atmosphere Sandwich Pack is Arriving in North America
High-Quality Bread Snack Sandwiches
Jason’s Sourdough is Launching Toasties and Hot Rolls
Ready-to-Eat Retailer Snacks
These New 7-Eleven Menu Items are Arriving This Summer
Anime-Collaborative QSR Menus
McDonald's Japan Joins Kiki's Delivery Service on New Burgers
Convenience-Focused Lunch Boxes
The W&P BYO Lunch Bundle is a Convenient and Stylish Solution
4/20-Themed Sandwich Deals
Jimmy John's Celebrates 4/20 with the Deliciously Dope Dime Bag
Cannabis Company Brand Expansions
The Cannabist Company Celebrates Partnership with Brand Launch
Sandwich-Soup Combination Cans
Campbell's Launches a New Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
Sandwich-Inspired 70s Decor
The Retro Schlotzsky's Sandwich Studio Line Honors an Iconic Menu Item
Heat-and-Eat Panini Sandwiches
MamaMancini Flame Grilled Paninis Come in Seven Flavors
Savory Ice Cream Sandwiches
Nightingale x Pizza Hut Dreamed Up a New Snack for April Fool's Day
Prepackaged Artisan Dessert Products
The Delicious Dessert Company Added Four New Products
Refrigerated Trail Mixes
Fresh Face Foods is Offering a Fresher Take on a Classic Snack
Extra-Cheesy Seasonal Sandwiches
The Subway V.I.Brie SubMelt® is Arriving in the UK
Elevated Sandwich Catering Menus
The Jimmy John's Catering Menu Has New Premium Sides
Premade Gourmet Grilled Cheeses
A Friendly Bread Makes Premium, Convenient Frozen Sandwiches
Hybrid Community Supermarkets
The After Market is a Grocery Store and a Food Pantry
Heat-and-Eat Toasts
Rudi's Bakery Creates Convenient, Quality Frozen Toasts
Grab-and-Go Waffle Sandwiches
Stewart's Shops Just Unveiled the New Spicy Chicken Wafflewich
Multi-Vendor Food Marketplaces
Chef's Hall Offers Multiple High Quality Restaurants Under One Roof
Edible Seaweed-Based Packaging
Handtmann Has Launched the Pioneering ConProSachet System
Ice Cream-Filled Donut Sandwiches
The Duck Donuts Donut Ice Cream Sandwich Comes in Two Options
Freeze-Dried Ice Cream Sandwiches
Sow Good is Launching a Crunchy, Heat-Proof Summer Snack
Food Court Footwear Shops
Skechers' Food Spot Drives Foot Traffic to the Footwear Store
Retail Food Preparation Stations
Urban Eat Debuts a Smart Retail Solution for its Food-to-Go Range
Artisanal Gluten-Free Deliveries
Wildgrain Debuts Bake-From-Frozen Gluten-Free Bread Subscription
Sandwich-Heating Vending Machines
The Kepak Hot Vend Kiosk Provides Foods in 80-Seconds
Savory-Sweet Snack Packs
Olli Snack Packs Conveniently Combine Salami, Cheese & Fruit
Ready-to-Eat Seasonal Sandwiches
These New Urban Eat. Sandwiches Come in Three Festive Flavors
Travel-Safe Snackable Sandwiches
Rudi's Launched Nut-Free Sandos with a Creamy Roasted Seed Spread
Korean Cuisine Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Charleys Cheesesteaks Kimchi Cheesesteak Elevates a Classic
Ghost Pepper Sub Sandwiches
Subway Unveils a Spicy Ghost Pepper Addition to its Main Menu
Seasonal Spring Sandwiches
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches Created the New Easter Bunny & Patrick Sandwich
Salsa-Topped Chicken Sandwiches
Panera Bread is Adding a New Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich
Crunchy Cannabis Edibles
These Delightfully Savory Cannabis Chips are Packed With Flavor
Travel-Inspired Pretzel Packaging
Sabio's Snacking Passport Offers an Interactive Element
Sandwich-Inspired Crepe Snacks
bakerly peanut butter and grape filled crêpes to-go are Flavorful
QSR Ice Cream Sandwiches
Subway Canada Has Just Debuted a New Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich
Convenience Retailer Private Labels
These New 7-Eleven Private Label Products are Value-Minded
Savory Cafe Food Menus
The Costa Coffee Summer Menu Has New and Returning Favorites
Revived Decade-Themed QSR Menus
This New Taco Bell Menu Has Five Nostalgic Offerings
Global Food Retail Expansions
Supermarket Italy Emphasizes Global Flavors from Around the World
Bagel-Inspired Breakfast Sandwiches
The 7-Eleven Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich is Savory
Smoky BBQ-Inspired Sandwiches
Subway The Smokehouse Edition Sandwiches Come in Three Options
Seasonal Green Wraps
Jimmy John's Drops New Mediterranean-Inspired Food Offerings
Single-Serve Sweet Sandwiches
Once Again Chocolate & Peanut Butter Graham Sandwiches are Tasty
Savory Sourdough Sandwich Melts
Panera Launches the New 'Sourdough Melts' in Two Varieties
Seasonal Street Food-Inspired Menus
Taco Cabana Street Food Fest Features Ample Food and Drink
Seasonal Cafe Sandwich Ranges
These Pret A Manger Sandwiches Celebrate the Season
Festive Sandwich Holidays
Cheba Hut Created a Holiday for Sandwich Lovers Called "Nugsgiving"
Tech-Focused Restaurant Councils
Lunchbox's Food Tech Council Consists of 15 Professionals
Cannabis-Infused Cooking Lines
CulinaryCannaCo. & Trumarks Debut Cannabis-Infused Cooking Products
Retailer Bakery Product Expansions
These New One Stop Lines are Perfect for Picnics and Sharing
Italian Cuisine Sandwich Menus
Jimmy John's Caprese Salami Menu Items Come in Two Options
Charity Christmas Foods
Co-Ops 'Christmas Food to Go' Range Supports a Childrens Charity
Pink Sushi Boxes
Dept. Sushi Serves Up Sushi in Chic, Vibrant Boxes
Chef-Supported Dairy Campaigns
Anchor Food Professionals Debuts the Taste of Tradition Campaign
Melty Toasted Croissant Sandwiches
Chicken Salad Chick Just Added the Bacon Cheddar Chick Melt
Vegetarian School Lunch Menus
Revolution Foods Emphasizes Health-Conscious Eating in Schools
Bake-in-Pack Sandwich Products
The Country Choice Savour It Range Prioritizes Convenient Cuisine
Globally Inspired Sandwich Menus
TGI Fridays Just Added a New Pork Belly Banh Mi Sandwich
Expanded Chicken Sandwich Menus
Pollo Campero Introduces Two New Delicious Sandwich Offerings
Sandwich-Inspired Shrimp Salads
Modern Market Eatery is Serving Up a Shrimp BLT Salad This Spring
Burger-Inspired Breakfast Menus
These Shake Shack Breakfast Sandwiches are Arriving in the UK
Artisan-Inspired Diner Menus
Denny's Permanent Menu Now Has Nine New Options
Dehydrated Plant-Based Meals
Farm to Summit Packages Nourishing Meals in Omnidegradable Bags
Spicy Meat-Packed Sandwiches
TOGO's Hot & Spicy Italian Sandwich is a Limited Time Offering
Limited-Edition Meatless Sandwiches
PLNT Burger's Chik’n Parm Promotes Sustainable Choices
Lemon-Themed Bakery Menus
Paris Baguette's New Lemon-Inspired Menu is Perfect for Summer
Seasonal Artisan Baked Goods
The Paris Baguette Holiday Menu is Packed with Seasonal Options
Restaurant-Inspired Chicken Sandwiches
John Soules Foods Chicken Sandwiches Come in Two Options
Free-From NYC Frozen Desserts
The Urban Dessert Lab Summer Menu Has Four New Items
Premium Fermented Condiments
These New Products from Bubbies Fine Foods Come in Four Varieties
Autumnal Artisan-Style Cafe Menus
The Pret A Manger Fall Menu Has New Quiches and Melts
Heat-and-Eat Sandwich Ranges
Hot Take Crave Away Sandwiches from Core-Mark are Convenient
Freshly Sliced QSR Meats
Subway Sliced Deli Meats are Arriving to Elevate the Diner Experience
Lebanese Food-Inspired Bakery Designs
MA Studio Draws a Culinary Influence for Common Breads
Pesto-Centric Italian Sandwiches
Schlotzsky’s New Italian Pesto Trio is Summer-ready
Limited Summer Sandwich Offerings
Yampa Sandwich Company Unveils the Florentine Fresco Sandwich
Customizable Sandwich Shop Menus
Which Wich Just Unveiled Its New Bag to the Future Menu
Upscale Grocer Catering Menus
Gelson's Catering Menu Has Been Expanded with Almost Two Dozen Items
Elevated Mexican Sandwiches
Tocoya Expands its Summer Menu with Torta Combos
Ultra-Fresh Deli Meals
Fresh Food For Now Debuts a New Assortment of Sandwiches, Salads, and Wraps
Customizable Sandwich Offerings
Ellianos Coffee Launches Turkey Bacon Ranch Sandwich
Festive Prepackaged Sandwiches
The Urban Eat Festive Range Includes New and Returning Favorites
Hearty Summer Sandwich Lineups
Denny's New Summer of Sandwiches Menu Features a Trio of New Dishes
Extra-Meaty NY-Inspired Sandwiches
Nathan's Famous New York Chopped Cheese Hero is Indulgent
Artisan-Style Bread Loaves
The Rustik Oven Sliced Sourdough Sandwich Loaves Come in Two Options
Premium Retailer Sandwich Menus
These New Casey’s Sandwiches Come in Three Options
Dedicated Italian Sandwich Bistros
Carrabba's Italian Grill Debuted its Sandwich-Focused Bistro