Sandwiches on Garland

Those who mourn the closing of Ferguson’s Café will be happy to hear that there’s a new lunch spot in the Garland District. Kristen Speller opened the GARLAND SANDWICH SHOPPE at the end of November with her mom Kathy in the former Brown Bag Bistro space. While she has yet to put much of a personal touch on the Sandwich Shoppe, she’s off to a solid start.

“It’s been going really well,” Speller says. “Last week it was standing room only.”

The Shoppe is small and feels a little bit like being in someone’s kitchen. Speller plans to replace the current high counter-and-barstool seating with lower, more user-friendly tables and chairs.

She’s also hoping to feature artwork from local artists.

Speller is no stranger to Spokane’s culinary scene — she’s been a cook at Northern Lights Brewery and a manager at the New Leaf Café. The menu at her Sandwich Shoppe is pretty straightforward, with prices ranging from $5 to $8 for salads, sandwiches and soups.

In addition to the build-your-own sandwich menu, Speller shows some creativity with the Marinated Portobello sandwich, served on garlic sourdough with artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and basil pesto ($5.50). The satisfying Southwestern Turkey sandwich — with chipotle mayo, pepper jack cheese and pepperoncinis — was grilled to a just-right golden crisp but appeared a little lonely on the plate with only a few cucumber slices for company. A side of chips and salsa would have been a great, even if it meant bumping up the price.

Speaking of sides, for $2 you can add a pasta, potato or green salad to your lunch. Be sure to try Speller’s original-recipe granola bars with dried fruit, nuts and honey. “They’re really healthy,” she promises (except for that stick of butter).

The Sandwich Shoppe uses all recyclable packaging and strives to offer fresh, minimally processed ingredients. Speller’s counting on personalized service to gain repeat customers. Sometimes a simple sandwich made with smile hits the spot. — KIRSTEN HARRINGTON

The Garland Sandwich Shoppe, 3903 N. Madison St., is open Mon-Sat 10 am-3 pm. Call 326-2405.