Ocean State Sandwich Company

When owner Eric Handwerger saw how well his first Ocean State Sandwich Company shop was being received in Johnston, and, in particular, how many firms and non-profit organizations in downtown Providence had started to order catered lunches for their luncheon meeting needs, he decided to open a second shop right in the heart of the financial district at 155 Westminster Street in Providence. "The result," says Eric, "has been enormously gratifying", as his first year of business downtown has seen incredible growth.

"In response to repeated requests from our customers, we have added breakfast catering, and it too has been extremely well received."

Touting "fresh and local" as their selling proposition, Ocean State Sandwich invites customers to choose from an array of healthy soups, salads and sandwiches or, if they so desire, to indulge in the likes of BBQ Pulled Pork, or their 'ultimate grinder' ( hot Italian capicola, mortadella, soppressata, genoa and sharp provolone with lettuce, red onion and sun-dried tomato and banana pepper relish on a Buono’s Bakery sub roll.)

“We’re food people,” says Eric. “And now with two places in Rhode Island, where we’re surrounded by an abundance of farms on one side and small food producers on the other, it’s just a perfect situation.”

What's new for summer? "Some terrific new entree salads and, of course, our new breakfast catering menu.”

Can’t Miss Dish: “From Roast Beef with Love” sandwich: it’s simply roast beef, Russian dressing, Swiss and coleslaw on rye bread