Overview
In a sneaky Instagram post last month, South Dowling Sandwiches — undisputed creators of some of the best sangas in the city — announced they'll soon be opening a second outpost in Alexandria. And today, they confirmed it: after 15 years in the biz, the eatery is expanding for the very first time.
An expansion of the wildly popular family-run sandwich shop had been in the works for a while, but the Labi family were waiting for the perfect location, says PR Manager and family member Jordana Labi. The site they've settled on is located in the Bourke Centre at 110 Bourke Road, down near The Grounds. "A lot of customers travel from [Alexandria] and it's an up and coming area, in terms of food," she says.
South Dowling Sandwiches 2.0 will stick to the culinary concept that's made the original so successful — that is, jumbo sangas packed with fresh ingredients in delicious combinations, sold at affordable prices. For example, the Leg Ham comes with the eponymous protein, plus honey mustard, herb mayo, bocconcini, Roma tomato, lettuce and rocket, and sells for just eight smackaroos. If you've yet to acquaint yourself with the menu, check it out over here.
Darlinghurst regulars will be used to wolfing down a sandwich in a hole-in-the-wall, but the new cafe will be bigger, with more seating. "Look-wise, it's more modern," says Labi. "We had a design team take care of the interior." One feature is a blown-up photo of the outside of the original store. What's more, you'll be chasing your bread-encased feast with a Little Marionette coffee.
If all goes to plan, the eatery will open for weekday service at the end of July. Keep an eye on their Instagram for more details.
Image: Ryan Brabazon Photography.