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A good spot for a sandwich shop?
07/19/2011 6:15 AM by John M
This man is looking for a location to open a sandwich shop:
I am interested in finding a place in Church Hill where I can open a small shop that sells deli sandwiches, desserts along with coffee, tea and drinks. I am looking for about 800-1000 square feet of space.
I could consider more depending on the location. I need some traffic in order to consider more space. I am interested in opening a shop that makes homemade desserts and pastries as well as sells sandwiches-deli and panini.
The only area that comes to mind for me is the stretch of storefronts on 25th Street between Venable Street and R Street. Anybody else got any suggestions?
TAGGED: question
There’s another spot nearby at the intersection of Q Street and N. 26th Street. It’s a really nice looking storefront space, but it would probably need some TLC before being able to open. For what it’s worth, I have the owner’s contact information.
Check out the building at the corner of Jefferson Ave & E. Leigh (near 23rd St). There is a phone number for the rental agent on the front door.
You could also just wait until Buffingtons pizza and hot dog place goes out of business at 29th and Broad St.
Area residents want deli sandwiches, not more pizza and gourmet mystery meat.
@#3- Buffingtons pizza and hot dog place already has an awesome new sandwich place right next to them- Str8 Out of Philly! I wouldn’t want to see another sandwich shop go in right next door to compete with them.
I think there are some shops on 25th and Marshall though, although I think they need some renovation first.
There was a (short lived) gift shop on the northwest corner of 25th and Franklin Streets that recently went out of business. I don’t know what the zoning is for a sandwich shop, but it surely is a high traffic area. Prior to being a gift shop I think the most immediate use was a real estate office. I noticed a for rent sign there the other day, might want to check it out.
The new apartments on Broad that wrap around the Macdonald’s have what I think is retail on the first floor, as do the new apartments at 21st and Broad, ditto the stuff down at 21st and Main. Might want to check those, too.
I think I’d take a walking tour of the area, get the feel for it. Also, I agree about Buffington’s (#3)but am not sure how long they will hang in there.
There are quite a bit of spaces along Marshall that look like they could be well used, though they might need some renovation. It would be great to see the corner around Cyclus with a few other shops.
What about the old Jumpin’ J’s? That might be a little large for what you’re initially planning but it might work. I’ve heard some buzz about something going in there but don’t know much more.
What about the retail spaces around the roundabout at M and 25? The Roosevelt is there, but there is a place across the street that might work well.
there is empty retail across jefferson from Alamo BBQ at 22nd street. looks cozy.
Yes, please! The old Jumpin J’s is a great location. Isn’t the old Pet’s at Play space on 25th & Marshall, next to Church Hill Animal Hospital still empty? Wouldn’t worry about competing with Str8 out of Philly. First, they’re closed (temporarily?) at the moment due to permit issues (I believe). Second,their menu is limited and doesn’t include ham or other pork-based cold cuts; also no roast beef. The Italian style sub has several turkey-based cold cuts. The long and short of it is, YES, we would love a sandwich shop that uses a variety of fillings, some vege options and artisan breads (Flour Garden breads rock!). And, who could say no to yummy pastries and desserts? Best of luck!
I think Michael Vesely, who used to be with St. John’s, is handling the rentals for Commonwealth…Properties? Investments? Something like that. It’s a real estate firm in the 2500 block of East Broad (2505 or 2507 maybe), near the ice cream shop (which, with it’s few customers, might also be opening up for rent sometime soon, too – I can’t figure what keeps them open). ANYWAY I seem to recall that Michael mentioned to me months ago about handling commercial properties possibly including the former Jumpin’ J’s. You might want to contact him, sorry I don’t have a phone number but it’s on their sign right in front of the office.
Seems there are a bunch of us who want this type of shop. Good luck!
I know it needs work but the price is right… how about harlie Johnson’s old building he lived in at 400 N 27th? Not the gutted one but the one he lived in. It is a total disaster inside but sould construction and if you look at it as an empty shell (blank canvas) you can do what you want inside.
There is a bakery opening on the opposite corner and that may compliment each other?
Eric
The old Pets at Play won’t work. Church Hill Animan Hospital is expsnding into that building.
You mean, Church Hill Animal Hospital is bringing the cuteness with those sweet baby kitties in the window.
I’m torn on this one. I really like STR8 OUT OF PHILLY and would hate to see cannibalization of a great vendor. I’d advise the prospective owners to consider taking a close look at PHILLY, maybe even working with them to make sure they don’t overlap a lot. Same goes for the new bakery, assuming they are far enough along.
On the other hand, as long as there’s enough differentiation, I think a second sandwich shop could do well. I do think there is a good amount of creative space left that could support a new shop that provided more healthy subs. I like my rib-breaking cheesesteaks but sometimes a more gourmet sandwich might be nice too. As long as they try to find a business model that doesn’t overlap too much, they should be good. Salads for example are weak in this area. Figure out what is not currently served in the area and what you’ll be able to bring that is not already here.
If they cannibalize heavily, I worry we could end up with no sandwich shops in a short period of time. I don’t know that there is enough of a market to support both. I’d rather see a few solid businesses do a good volume than see a bunch of struggling ones.
By the way, a gourmet market is the biggest gap left in the area. If the owner is not set on sandwiches only, there’s nobody providing good foods to go in the neighborhood. I know there’s been a ton of rumors but nothing has materialized.
I do like Eric’s idea of trying to get a few businesses going on the laundromat corner of 27th and Marshall. Even better if they are complimentary businesses that can support each other – market, bakery, butcher, etc.
Please move across from Alamo. Get in touch with Heather O’Sullivan.
LOL, every time my husband and I walk to OMG Cafe we have to stop to look at the kittens.
The corner of Venable and Mosby where Big John’s was. Newly renovated.
I think there are also a few vacant spots on Marshall near 27th?
I’d love to see a place that makes pre-made salads and sandwiches, sort of like what you’d find at Pret A Manger in NYC. The kind of place where you know they have what you want and you can run in and get everything in less than a minute.
This is where most delicatessens fail — sandwiches don’t necessarily need to be made to order to be delicious. I think most people would agree on the same thing 75% of the time anyway. At least.
i think somewhere that was super quick would also be awesome!
they are on the other side of town but Fresca on Addison just started putting out pre-made sandwiches for people on the move.
http://www.frescaonaddison.com/
As long as your name isn’t Bob Buffington then I will definitely check out your establishment. Boar’s Head or Dietz & Watson meats are lacking in this area (the Market doesn’t count for Boar’s Head). I would love a deli in Church Hill and I also like the salad options that folks are mentioning, whether it be eat-in or take-out. You could have some comfortable hours if you where open from 11AM to around 9PM if you’re not planning on serving adult beverages. If you want an ABC license then you better start researching now because VA ABC laws and Church Hill neighbors can tie you up with red tape for months/years.
Best of luck!!!
I’ve written on here a dozen times about the need in CH for a real deli with good veggie options. It could also double as a place to purchase high quality salads, cheese and meats by the pound, good bread, etc. Sort of like Take it Away or Feast in Charlottesville or the European Market/Olio in Richmond. Please someone do this concept! (I would do it myself if I had a) capital and b) time.)
I would love to talk to you as I am in the process of signing a lease to open spot a that would include a deli/sandwich counter on the hill. I intend to have baked goods among other things……
@23 – check my post on the last Buffingtons thread for my ideas. I won’t repeat them all here but I’ve got some suggestion. Would be glad to help volunteer a bit to help you get this launched if you are serious. I’ve got 5+ years experience in both food service an restaurant businesses and can help you line up suppliers if you want.
Alex…..would love your input….. my email is everythingthatcountsch@gmail.com
I have a great warehouse rehab retail space with exposed brick on the street level of an apartment complex at N. 20th and E. Grace Streets. Traffic, especially walking, is excellent. Please give me a call at (804) 419-2295. Thanks!
Check out the It Must be Heaven thread, that would be a great spot for a sandwich shop.