Family-owned sandwich shop earns spot among Yelp’s Top 100 in the nation.
The Williams family-run business opened its doors in 2020 with the simple idea of making the best fresh sandwiches using the finest locally sourced produce, with quality ingredients being key.
“We had no idea of our rating until a customer came in and told us,” said Greg Sanez. “We don’t really do social media; our focus on promotion is making sure our customers enjoy our sandwiches.”
Family-owned and managed, Greg and Melissa Sanez, along with their adult daughters, Hannah and Julie, work together to craft sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts.
Highlighting famous features at the Grand Canyon, the sandwiches are named after Ooh Aah Point, Grandview, Bright Angel, Havasupai, Hermits Rest and others.
“My husband and I stopped in after seeing such great reviews online. I got the Ooh Aah (an egg salad sandwich with sliced hard-boiled eggs) and he got the Yavapai (turkey, bacon and avocado). After the first bite we were hooked and went back the next time we were in Williams,” said Highland Grand Canyon owner Fabienne Swann. “We now tell everyone about it because the sandwiches are always so fresh and tasty, and we love supporting a family-owned restaurant that takes such great pride in the food they serve.”
The Ooh Aah Egg Sandwich is a farm fresh hard-boiled egg, pickle, honey mustard and mayo on toasted white country bread. The Havasupai is an Italian Style sandwich with Genoa salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone, tomato, onion, pickle, lettuce and Italian dressing on a toasted hoagie. Turkey, BLTs, Roast Beef and Pastrami sandwiches are also available.
“Our best-selling sandwiches are the Yavapai, Pima and Bright Angel,” said Melissa.
Hannah and Julia handle the marketing, website development and design. “It brings me joy to be able to provide food for so many people from around the world,” said Hannah.
Greg grew up in Santa Monica, California, and Melissa is from North Hollywood. Their first introduction to Arizona was Flagstaff where Greg worked as a respiratory therapist at Flagstaff Medical Center. After living in Flagstaff for six years, the family moved to Williams.
“We decided to open Gateway Sandwich Co. in 2020 [just before the pandemic],” said Greg. “We leased the building in Williams and didn’t officially open until that following July. It was a challenge finding certified plumbers and electricians to work during that time, but we finally did, and our business was born.”
To learn how to make the best sandwiches, the Sanez family watched numerous cooking shows and studied chefs including Gordon Ramsey and Wolfgang Puck. “I worked with a man in Pasadena who literally ate sandwiches for every meal. He took me to the best places to eat sandwiches,” said Greg.
“I feel so blessed to be able to work with my best friend and husband, and my two amazing daughters,” said Melissa.
Gabbie Canale, owner of the Native America Shop on Route 66, says that Gateway Sandwich Co., will “Elevate your taste buds. They use fresh ingredients layered beautifully with a perfect dressing and enrobed in crusty, tasty bread! Served with love, every sandwich is uniquely delicious. There is a definite feel of a family-run business where the love and passion are evident.”
Future goals for Gateway Sandwich Co., include buying a food truck and offering mobile service.
Off-time for the Sanez family includes relaxing in Bullhead City where they jet ski, hang out and enjoy the local restaurants. “We work hard at the shop and put a lot of effort and energy into making quality foods, so it’s good to get away on our days off,” said Greg. QCBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN
Gateway Sandwich Co. is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, at 428 West Route 66 in Williams. Visit their website at www.gatewaysandwich.com or call 928-635-5397.
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