Husband and wife Josh and Melissa Priola of Lake Charles shared the lofty goal of taking a concept as simple as a sandwich shop and turning it into an exceptional, yet casual and affordable dining experience. After four years of research and trial and error, they decided their path to success lay in recreating the flavors from some of the world’s best street foods. Their first sandwich shop, Street Breads, opened in their hometown a couple of years ago. After their initial success, a second location in Baton Rouge felt like a natural progression.
Paul Burgess is the general manager of both Street Breads’ locations. He has been with the Priolas since the beginning. "Our goal was not to make the biggest sandwich, it was to make the sandwich with just the right amount of quality ingredients," Burgess says. All of the sauces and toppings that provide the foundation for their sandwiches are made fresh in store daily and represent a collection of flavors from all over the world. All of their sandwiches are served on high quality fresh artisan bread.
Burgess’ current favorite sandwich is the Mediterranean Portobello, which showcases freshly grilled eggplant and a lemon tapenade, but he says, "With so many exciting flavors on the menu, it just depends on your mood." Other popular items include a pulled pork sandwich topped with slaw, remoulade, and cheddar cheese called the Deep South. The Argentinean Sierra Beef features roast beef, pepper Jack cheese, spinach, red onion, chimichurri, and Texas caviar, which is black bean based spread, piled onto a rustic bread. There are also plenty of fresh options for vegetarians. Gourmet salads and wraps are also available. The Pacific Asian salad consists of greens, almond slivers, carrots, cucumbers and fresh-made mango salsa served with an Asian vinaigrette.
Side items include their delicious feta potato salad, which is an inspired twist on a Southern classic and their “Street Slaw” which highlights their mix of secret spices. Street Breads also offers house-made hummus and salsa served with chips.
The interior of Street Breads looks more like a comfortable modern bistro than a sandwich shop. Diners can enjoy everything from a quick affordably priced bite to a leisurely afternoon lunch while sitting on the sofa with a friend drinking a glass of wine.
The Priolas likes to keep it local by keeping Louisiana craft beers from Tin Roof and Parish Brewing on tap. A nice selection of moderately priced wine is available by the glass and dispensed though a state of the art self-service machine.
Internationally known street artist, Chor Boogie created the vivid mural that encompasses the entire back wall of the shop. Boogie happened to be in town working on a mural for the Museum of Public Art in South Baton Rouge. He liked the concept of Street Breads and agreed to work on a commission.
When asked what was in store for the future of the chain, Burgess said, "We want to keep going. Six months down the road, we want to start looking at other locations." And with a concept like this, it is easy to see how Street Breads could leave places like Subway, Quizno's and Jimmy John's in the dust. 3131 Perkins Road. (225) 930-4672 or www.streetbreads.com.
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