Sandwich Box Location Slips Into the Deadpool
Just to make things clear, this isn't exactly breaking news for the Dead Pool, as this closure occurred over two weeks ago and to a franchise with other locations, but here goes! It seems that after a disagreement with landlords over issues such as the overall cleanliness of the market and, oh, heating, the St. Patrick's Market location of Sandwich Box, has been forced to close up shop. Here's the notice they left for their customers:
Well it's no surprise that the market really isn't what it used to be, evident by the fact that it's almost been a year since Ben & Jerry's abandoned one of the best locations in the market, and hasn't been emptied or cleaned since. It's just disappointing that the city would allow a landlord to let a historical landmark of old Toronto (the St. Patrick's Market was first established in 1912) get so decrepit. So while it's too late to offer support to Sandwich Box since they moved on, maybe the next step is to bring up this issue to City Councillor Adam Vaughn to sort out this landlord, before what used to be one of the tastiest food courts in the city turns into little more than a dead zone.
If you're still craving a custom-crafted sandwich at one of your favourite sandwich places in the city, Sandwich Box has 3 other locations to serve you, one at 67 Richmond Street West (west of Bay), 37 Eglinton Avenue East (east of Yonge) or their new location in the Royal Bank Plaza at Bay and Front.
Image: Lead image by Staff, DSCF0175 by blogTO flickr-pooler The CJM
Comments (21)
That place really is a disgrace. At least we know that sign will remain up for a while since it's doubtful the owners ever set foot in the place judging by the continued state of the empty Ben and Jerrys
A stupid move on the landlord's part - that sandwich shop was a gold mine, and was consistently busy and packed with customers. Hands-down the most popular shop in the joint.
I had no idea the Ben & Jerry's closed down until I actually walked inside the place, two months ago. Their signs still adorn the outside window, leading me to believe otherwise. (Anybody know why they closed shop? And more importantly, do they have another location elsewhere in the city?)
Yeah, I used to go here regularly, it was way busier than anything else in the building. The staff were really nice, on their last day I went in to buy a sandwich and one of them pulled me aside and took my name and email to send me a voucher for their other stores as I was a regular.
St. Patrick's Market has some great food but the inside of the building is consistently disgusting. Although I haven't seen any there, I'm surprised that they haven't gotten in trouble for rodents and vermin. How does the City allow a building to be that dirty and poorly maintained?
One counter that's been closed for awhile had the best chicken caesar wrap. I miss the Ben and Jerry's.
I hope that people do lobby Councillor Vaughn and phone the landlord. Thanks, Danielle, for posting this. Maybe it will kick-start the process of positive change.
With the sanitation issues in that market, I'm extremely wary of the buffet tables. Not that their staff seem to be lacking in hygeine, but how do you keep things sanitary when things like the AIR seems slightly contaminated?
Ben & Jerry's in the Beaches is closed too.
The only other B&J in the GTA that I know of is at Vaughn Mills mall. I don't make the trek up there very often so I have no idea if it went belly up too.
I work in the area and am sad to see the Sandwich Box go...it's obvious that the market has been having problems over the last few years, just by looking at the number of businesses that have been in and out. However, I don't think it's cool for them to suggest anyone harass the landlord. We're just customers, we don't know the full story.
I live on a block with 6 buildings owned by the City of Toronto, and unless people complain, they stay really dingy, dirty and not maintained.
Interestingly, 3 out of the 6 buildings have been cleaned up in the last month.
Sandwich Box is just the latest of a long line of establishments in that market to go.
The Greek place is gone, there was another Asian one, then that gourmet "soul" food shop, then the juice place closed up shop. Oh, and now Ben & Jerry's and Sandwich Box. Turnover in the market is very high!
Don't forget the burrito place.
On the other hand, Queen's Pizza seems to be constantly improving their kiosk and Big Stan's doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
@jen: We do know the full story, because it's printed right there on that giant-ass board. Silencing legitimate health and safety complaints by kicking out the tenants is a crass move, and us "lowly customers" have every right to voice our opinions to the people who made that decision.
Anyway - didn't Amato's also used to be in that building too? That chain started its decent long before the building started going downhill...
Sorry, no, that's not the full story. I would have signed a petition but am not willing to have a phone conversation about an issue I know nothing about except what's printed on a board. I doubt this George person would respond with anything but a hang-up.
I hope the Sandwich Box has gotten legal counsel and complained to the city.
Queen's Pizza is where Amato's used to be. Great pizza, even better calzones, friendly people.
Anybody care to speculate what -should- go in the market? Assuming rennovations are made and the building brought up to code, I'd be happy with a Richtree cafe (But only if the space is large enough to have something like the one they have off of King street.)
The place is looking pretty awful. I fully expect tumbleweed to come rolling through soon. Half the spaces are vacant (and look disgusting) and what's left is pretty sub-par. The city needs to do something good soon.
@Elle: "Descent", not "decent"
@jen: Nobody is twisting your arm to talk to "George". But why can't it be an option for the rest of us?
Consumerist.com regularly post direct emails and office phone number of high-ranking executives of companies who have exhibited extremely poor customer service. And you know what? These execs don't complain about "harassment" - it actually works for most cases, and changes are actually implemented. Go figure.
Those looking for a close alternative to the Sandwich Box may want to head up McCaul to the Grange food court, and try the Keep Fit Sandwich shop there - $5 gets you a sandwich on ACE bread with a wide variety of tasty in-house made toppings, and a little nest of lemony greens. I had one last night, an really enjoyed it.
well, i wouldn't harass the landlord - who knows if there is more to the story? - but the building is obviously a mismanaged mess. i've written to vaughan.
Don't waste your time with writing to Adam Vaughan. The guy does not see an issue in China town, doubt this would be much of an issue for him.
He is fed well at our trough, no need for him to go to these places. He wines and dines at much fancier places than these (restaurants at the ACC, Roger's Center etc)and gets the BEST coffee money can buy (who's money??)
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