Make Sandwich is Set to Dominate NYC’s Fast-Casual Scene

Long before Brooks Headley slung veggie burgers and David Chang proffered fried chicken buns, Bark helped jumpstart the fast-casual movement — gourmetizing classic New York hot dogs by way of artisanal sausages topped with small batch sauerkraut.  Shockingly, both the original Brooklyn and six-month-old Bleeker locations shuttered this past year, yet founder Josh Sharkey is fully aware of the still growing appeal of quick-quality fare.  Which is why he joined forces with a veritable fast-casual dream team (Melt Shop’s Spencer Rubin and Aurify Brands, behind the health-focused Little Beet) to launch Make Sandwich in Union Square — a have it your way, between-the-bread take on Chipotle.

Ranging from $7.95-11.95, “Made By Us” options include everything from a not-so-classic Egg & Cheese (tricked out with maple-ginger breakfast sausage, pimento cheese, and chile ketchup on brioche), to a snazzy Steak + Salsa Verde (roasted tri-tip on a baguette, anointed with Tunisian olive oil and tomatillo puree), to a vegan-friendly Zucchini & Falafel — where the squash is charred with miso, the fried orbs are crafted from mushrooms, and condiments include tomato-pepper confit and preserved lemon tahini.

Any element can be mixed-and-matched for a flat price of $10.95 in the “Made by You” section — yet with the sheer range of alluring additions, there’s no guarantee on the palatability of your Dagwood-esque creation.  The array of breads seems basic enough (sub rolls and ciabatta supplement brioche and baguette), but from there on, things get wild.  Instead of standard cold cuts, proteins include slow roasted turkey breast, chile-mustard pork belly, and mojo grilled chicken; Oaxacan cheese and smoked gouda keep company with provolone and cheddar; mustard and mayo make way for koji aioli, parmagiano reggiano cream and roasted garlic remoulade; and in lieu of lettuce and tomato, vegetation ranges from apple date slaw and creamed spinach, to roasted artichokes and jardinière.

It seems that with the lunch crowd-wooing Make Sandwich, Sharkey and crew have made good on their potential as a fast-casual kings.

Make Sandwich
135 4th Ave
(212) 398-2602
makesandwich.com