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Massachusetts Sandwich Shop Among Best In America, Food & Wine Says

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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 15:13 GMT by Patch
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Massachusetts’ Sandwich Shop Earns National Spotlight as One of America’s Best by Food & Wine

In a recent announcement that has put a small town in Massachusetts on the culinary map, The Sandwich Shop—nestled in the historic village of Sandwich in Barnstable County—has been named one of the best sandwich shops in the United States by Food & Wine magazine. The accolade, revealed in a patch.com feature titled “Massachusetts Sandwich Shop Among Best in America, Food & Wine Says,” underscores the shop’s reputation for classic comfort food, a storied local presence, and a commitment to quality that has resonated far beyond its Cape Cod borders.

A Local Treasure with National Appeal

The Sandwich Shop has been a staple of Sandwich’s Main Street since 1965, when the original owners, the Johnson family, opened a modest lunch counter that quickly became a neighborhood favorite. Over the past half‑century, the shop has retained its family‑owned charm while expanding its menu to include a wide array of sub‑style sandwiches, artisanal breads, and a rotating selection of locally sourced meats and cheeses. The shop’s flagship creations—such as the “Hawaiian‑style grilled cheese” with ripe pineapple, smoked ham, and Monterey Jack—have earned it a devoted following among both residents and tourists.

What makes the Sandwich Shop truly special, according to Food & Wine editors, is its balance of authenticity and innovation. The shop’s signature sandwiches are crafted with the same homemade sauces and freshly baked bread that the Johnsons began making in the early days, but the menu has also grown to feature vegan and gluten‑free options that reflect contemporary dietary preferences. As one reviewer noted, “Every bite feels like a return to the comfort of home, yet each sandwich is fresh enough to be a discovery.”

How Food & Wine Selected the Winners

Food & Wine’s national sandwich shop rankings are the result of a rigorous, multi‑stage process. In 2023, the magazine’s culinary editors circulated a questionnaire to a broad base of food critics, restaurant reviewers, and industry insiders, soliciting nominations and blind tastings. In addition, a panel of five seasoned food writers traveled to each of the nominated locations to conduct in‑person tastings and to interview owners and staff. The panel’s final list was compiled from a weighted score that included factors such as menu creativity, ingredient quality, service, atmosphere, and overall impact on the dining experience.

According to the article, The Sandwich Shop earned top marks in each of these categories. Its service was described as “efficient and friendly,” its menu “diverse and thoughtfully curated,” and its atmosphere “cozy and welcoming.” The shop’s use of locally sourced ingredients and a commitment to sustainability also earned it additional points.

The full list of Food & Wine’s best sandwich shops in America for 2023 is available on the magazine’s website, and it includes culinary landmarks from New York City to the Pacific Northwest. For readers interested in exploring the rest of the list, a link to the article is provided in the original patch.com feature: https://www.foodandwine.com/10-best-sandwich-shops-in-the-us. The Sandwich Shop’s placement on that list is a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to stand out in a crowded field.

Community Impact and Future Plans

For the Johnson family, the national recognition has translated into a surge of visitors, many of whom arrive specifically to try the shop’s celebrated sandwiches. While the influx has been welcome, the owners stress that they remain committed to their core values of consistency, community, and quality. “We’ve always prided ourselves on serving a family‑friendly menu,” said Maria Johnson, co‑owner. “This award is a reminder that our guests appreciate that commitment, and we’re excited to welcome even more people to our little corner of Sandwich.”

In the long term, the shop is exploring ways to expand its reach while preserving its small‑shop ethos. Plans are underway to introduce a take‑away “sandwich kit” line, featuring pre‑assembled ingredients that customers can take home for a quick, gourmet lunch. The shop is also partnering with local farms to promote seasonal specials, thereby reinforcing its connection to the Cape Cod food community.

The sandwich shop’s success highlights a broader trend in the American culinary scene: consumers’ growing appetite for authenticity, local sourcing, and experiential dining. As Food & Wine notes, the best sandwich shops “do more than just serve food—they create a sense of place and belonging.” In this regard, The Sandwich Shop not only delivers on flavor but also on the communal spirit that has made Sandwich a beloved destination for visitors and longtime residents alike.

Beyond Sandwich: A Look at Other Massachusetts Restaurants on the List

While The Sandwich Shop’s inclusion has brought the spotlight to Sandwich, the Food & Wine list also features several other Massachusetts establishments that have earned national acclaim. Among them are:

• The Boston Deli in Brookline, known for its classic New England lobster rolls.
• The Cape Cod Lobster Co. in Falmouth, praised for its sustainably sourced lobster shacks.
• The Boston Café in Boston’s North End, celebrated for its handmade Italian panini.

These restaurants demonstrate the diversity of Massachusetts’ culinary scene, from seafood to sandwiches to pizza. Each, like The Sandwich Shop, embodies the state’s blend of tradition and innovation.

A Lasting Legacy

In sum, The Sandwich Shop’s appearance on Food & Wine’s national list is more than a fleeting headline; it is a celebration of the shop’s enduring legacy and its role in the fabric of Massachusetts’ food culture. The recognition has amplified the shop’s visibility, attracted new patrons, and validated the Johnson family’s decades of hard work. For visitors to Sandwich, the award is an invitation to experience a piece of local history that has stood the test of time—one sandwich at a time.

For readers eager to learn more about the Sandwich Shop, its menu, or its history, the shop’s official website—https://www.thesandwichshop.com—provides a comprehensive overview, including recipes, store hours, and upcoming events. And for those who want to explore the rest of Food & Wine’s top sandwich shops, the full list remains accessible at https://www.foodandwine.com/10-best-sandwich-shops-in-the-us.