Beloved family restaurant Sandwich Max to close in South End

Why it matters: The same family has operated out of the 1601 South Blvd. shop since 1996. It was previously a Sub Station II but was rebranded as Sandwich Max in 2020.

“We’ve watched families grow,” owner Sam Nicholson tells Axios, adding that the community is what he’ll miss the most.

Flashback: The Nicholson family has had seven sandwich stores over the years. Sam’s brother Max started the Sandwich Max brand in Elizabeth in 1993.

• “It’s a family business. My parents were in the sandwich business,” Max told Axios in 2016. 

Context: Chicago-based Sterling Bay bought the Sandwich Max site last year and is planning to build an apartment tower on the site, CBJ reported last year.

• The property, which is at the corner of South and Park, is also home to Beijing Chinese Restaurant.

What’s next: Sandwich Max will take a short hiatus and re-open as a pick-up and delivery service out of South End Eats — a ghost kitchen with more than 15 restaurants, including Crust Punk Bagels, located at 500 West Summit Ave.

“Going from brick and mortar digital is going to be an interesting transition for us because we’re used to seeing our customers and having that relationship,” Nicholson said.

Details: Sandwich Max South End is located at 1601 South Blvd.

• It’s open Monday-Friday 10:30am-7pm and Saturday from 10:30am-6pm. Closed on Sundays.