1. Triple play
“There are three things that make a great sandwich: texture, flavor and temperature, all working together,” says Jay Miller, director of product development for Firehouse Subs. Firehouse’s signature Hook & Ladder hits on complementary flavor notes with its filling of sweet-salty ham, smoked turkey, mellow Monterey Jack cheese and a hint of spicy brown mustard, he says. That’s combined with “the magic that happens when we steam the meat and cheese,” and it all comes together with the crunch of the bread.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop’s signature, A Wreck, is also a carefully choreographed layering of ingredients, with attention to proper portioning. “It's kind of like if Potbelly’s bread had a short list of BFFs, the meats and cheese would be at the top of the list,” says Ryan LaRoche, vice president of culinary innovation for the chain. “Roast beef, old world salami, oven-roasted turkey, hickory-smoked ham and Swiss cheese—it has every flavor you want in one sandwich in perfect proportions.”