Sandwich Sandwich has unveiled plans to reach 25 stores across London within the next five years, whilst opening its latest site billed as ‘the biggest sandwich shop in the UK’.
The family-run business, known for its deep-filled sandwiches that create “epic cross-sections”, was founded by Nick Kleiner in Bristol in 2012 and grew to operate three outlets there.
Sandwich Sandwich made it first venture into the capital six months ago with a site on Gresham Street. At the time, Nick’s son Joshua Kleiner, who is head of operations & marketing, told British Baker there was no reason why the brand would not overtake Pret a Manger or Subway for estate size in the UK.
The chain’s fifth site is located across the central City of London district on Mark Lane and opens on 17 March. Boasting a massive 3,500 sq ft of interior space with seating for 80 customers – aimed at preventing the need for an outside queue – it is the first of four new London shops planned for this year.
Mark Lane will serve the firm’s popular Grab & Go range including signature sandwich varieties such as Rare Roast Beef, Chicken Kyiv, Coronation Chicken, Tuna Crunch and Sweet Potato Falafel, on either white or granary bread. There’s also Hot Stacks made on brioche buns with choices like BBQ Beef Burnt Ends, Posh Fish & Chips, and Onion Bhaji, as well as a Jerk Chicken Flatbread, a Soft Boiled Scotch Egg, and a Spicy Chilli & Cheddar Sausage Roll.
Dessert options include Oreo or Biscoff cheesecakes along with Crodoughs – croissant-doughnut hybrids – which are exclusive to London and available in flavours of Salted Caramel & Pistachio, Nutella & Marshmallow, or Banana Cream & Toffee. Sandwich Sandwich claims it is committed to supporting local businesses and prioritises working with independent suppliers as it continues to expand. It also offers catering services, Click & Collect, and Uber Eats delivery.
Speaking about the latest opening, Josh Kleiner said: “It’s been a lot of hard work, but I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished. Everything we’ve learned from our six months in London has gone into Mark Lane, and we can’t wait to share this new space with everyone.”
Sandwich Sandwich recently appointed Paul Hanna as chief operating officer to help drive the vision and strategy for its expansion ambitions.
Hanna brings more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry to the role. He joins from his most recent job as head of operations at B Bagel where, over the past 18 months, he has helped double the London chain’s retail estate to six sites suplied by a new central production unit. Prior to this, he spent almost 10 years at Comptoir Group including as head of operations & franchise.
Hanna will be tasked with finding new Sandwich Sandwich store locations across the UK, with a focus on shopping centres, travel hubs including airports, and business districts, as well as high streets. There are also plans to seek franchise partners to expand into international markets. “We have an exciting road ahead but are determined to do things properly, thinking big, but keeping our feet on the ground and never losing sight of the hard work that we have to put in daily in order to get to where we want to be,” commented Hanna.
Paul is also being reunited in a professional capacity with his father Chaker Hanna, who has served as non-executive chair of Sandwich Sandwich since March 2024. Chaker recently returned to Comptoir Group as CEO after being ousted from the leadership position in 2022 – he takes over from Nick Ayerst, who has joined Gail’s at its new managing director.
Paul Hanna noted that working with his dad was no mean feat. “He’s a true professional, an inspiration to many and very well-respected in the industry, so I’m well aware that the bar is high from the start,” he said. “But given his experience and track record of success, who wouldn’t want to work with him?”
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