In third year, Detroit Sandwich Party expands
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Last year's party. Photo: Bekah Galang, courtesy of Detroit Sandwich Party
Expect more room this year to eat more sandwiches at the third annual Detroit Sandwich Party — and no, hot dogs aren't invited.
Why it matters: The free, one-day festival Sunday, Sept. 6 will gather around 50 vendors selling sample-size sandwiches.
- After a packed event last year at Eastern Market's Shed 5, the venue is expanding its footprint, adding Shed 5's outdoor parking lot.
State of play: Expect a friendly vibe and creative, classic sandwiches. There'll be gluten-free and vegan options, too — plus desserts like ice cream or cookie sandwiches.
- Costs and sample sizes vary from $3-$5 to around $10-$12.
- Organizers ask vendors to prep off-site to keep lines moving.
Between the lines: Hosting such a party means defining what is and is not a sandwich. Founder Carlos Parisi tells Axios there are many iterations: "If, in your culture you're calling it a sandwich, then it's probably a sandwich."
- Hot dogs, burgers and tacos? They get their own festivals.
- "Now, if you give me a patty melt? Different kind of story. That's a sandwich for sure."
Flashback: The event "for sandwich enthusiasts by sandwich enthusiasts" grew out of December's Detroit Sandwich Week, per a news release.
- It's held in partnership with the North Corktown Neighborhood Association and Eastern Market.
- The vendor list includes Tall Trees Cafe, Chef Greg's Soul-N-The Wall, What's the Dill and Ima.
What they're saying: "The overall vision is community. … It's small business, and it's doing that while celebrating sandwiches, the most universally recognized food," says Parisi, also owner of the local tortilla chip, guac and salsa brand Aunt Nee's.
- When asked why sandwiches are the ideal vessel for community-building, Parisi simply answers: "Why not sandwiches?"
- The easiest way to have a conversation is over food, Parisi adds, and the easiest food to do it with is a sandwich.
Yes, but: Health officials continue to log new cases of cyclosporiasis in Michigan. The state recently dropped its recommendation against buying bagged salad greens, per Michigan Advance, but some people remain cautious about consuming lettuce, a common sandwich ingredient.
- Parisi says all vendors have food safety documentation in place, the organizers are thinking about the outbreak and doing their best. Vendors are taking precautions.
If you go: 11am-5pm Sept. 6. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase.
- Eastern Market Shed 5 and the neighboring parking lot.