When it comes to street food in New York—or really, any city where people hustle hard and eat harder—few things are as universally beloved, endlessly versatile, and comforting as a well-crafted sandwich. From the corner bodegas of Brooklyn to food trucks parked in Midtown, sandwiches have secured their spot as the go-to meal for just about any occasion.
Whether it’s a late-night snack, a lunchtime staple, or a grab-and-go option for commuters, sandwiches are the heart and soul of any urban menu. And for sandwich franchises looking to stand out in a sea of delis and food trucks, the menu is everything.
It’s not just about tossing meat between two slices of bread anymore.
Today’s customers expect options—flavorful, fresh, inventive combinations that hit all the right notes. If you’re looking to build a menu that keeps customers coming back for seconds (and thirds), here’s what you absolutely need to have in rotation.
The New York Classic: Pastrami on Rye
You simply can’t open a sandwich shop, let alone a franchise, without tipping your hat to the OG: pastrami on rye. With juicy pastrami, tangy mustard, and a warm, marbled rye bread, this classic has stood the test of time for good reason. This New York staple has been perfected by icons like Katz’s Delicatessen, which has been serving pastrami on rye since 1888.
Elevate yours by smoking your pastrami in-house or sourcing from a top-tier supplier. Bonus points if you add a side of pickles that crunch just right.
Watch this video to get a glimpse:
The Breakfast Beast
You’re missing out on early-morning traffic if you don’t have a killer breakfast sandwich on your menu. Think soft brioche bun, a perfectly fried egg, melty cheese, and your choice of bacon, sausage, or even pastrami (because, why not?).
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or chipotle mayo for those who want a kick with their coffee. A vegan version—featuring tofu scramble or JUST Egg—will win over the plant-based crowd.
The Italian Stallion
Salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion, oil, vinegar, oregano, and a crusty hero roll. Need we say more? This sandwich screams East Coast, and every bite should transport the eater straight to a Brooklyn sidewalk. Don’t skimp on the meats or the quality of your olive oil—it makes a difference. And don’t forget to press it panini-style if your setup allows.
For more inspiration, watch this:
Build-Your-Own Options
Offering a build-your-own option gives customers the freedom to create exactly what they’re craving, and it makes them feel part of the process. Provide a checklist-style menu where they can select bread types (white, wheat, sourdough, gluten-free), proteins, cheeses, toppings, and sauces. This also helps cater to dietary restrictions without overcomplicating your base menu.
The Plant-Based Powerhouse
Gone are the days when the only vegetarian option was a sad veggie sub. Customers today—vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, and the health-conscious—expect better. According to the Good Food Institute, the plant-based food market has grown by over 40% in the last few years, showing there’s real demand—and money—in offering high-quality vegan options.
Introduce a hearty plant-based option, like a roasted portobello mushroom sandwich with garlic aioli, arugula, and red pepper relish. Or offer jackfruit “pulled pork” with coleslaw. Keep it colorful, protein-packed, and full of flavor. Trust us, this one will become a crowd favorite.
Watch this video for some ideas:
Killer Fried Chicken Sandwich
It’s no secret that fried chicken sandwiches have been dominating food headlines in recent years. And for good reason—they’re crunchy, juicy, and endlessly customizable. Whether it’s Southern-style with pickles and mayo or Korean-inspired with gochujang sauce and sesame slaw, this item deserves a permanent place on your menu.
Make it spicy, sweet, or both—but above all, make sure it’s crispy.
Watch this to get an idea:
Global Fusion Flavors
Street food is where borders blur and flavors collide. Bring that same energy to your business with global-inspired offerings.
Think Banh Mi with lemongrass pork and pickled veggies on a baguette. Or a Chicken Tikka sandwich with yogurt sauce and cilantro chutney wrapped in naan. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the more Instagrammable and crave-worthy, the better. Inspiration abounds in global street food culture—Saveur curated a list of the world’s most iconic international sandwiches, many of which can spark your own fusion ideas.
Grilled Cheese Done Right
This humble comfort food gets a major upgrade when you go gourmet. Offer a grown-up version of grilled cheese featuring sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or fontina. Add extras like caramelized onions, roasted tomatoes, or even short rib. Serve it with a mini side of tomato bisque for dunking, and suddenly, you’re not just selling a sandwich—you’re serving nostalgia.
Watch this to get some inspiration:
A Signature Sauce Selection
What really sets great sandwich businesses apart from the rest isn’t just the bread or the meat—it’s the sauce. Create a small line of house-made sauces that customers will come to associate with your brand. Think roasted garlic aioli, chipotle ranch, jalapeño honey mustard, or balsamic glaze. Offer them in squeeze bottles at the counter or build them into your recipes.
Either way, they’re a branding goldmine.
Locally Inspired Specialties
If you’re running your sandwich shop in a place like New York, Philly, Chicago, or Miami, you’d better have a menu item that gives a nod to the locals.
A chopped cheese sandwich in NYC? Absolutely. A roast pork and broccoli rabe hoagie in Philly? Non-negotiable. Do your research, pay respect to the local food culture, and design at least one menu item that celebrates your franchise’s location.
Watch this video to get a glimpse at the chopped cheese sandwich in NYC:
Seasonal or Limited-Time Specials
Keep things fresh and customers intrigued by offering a rotating seasonal sandwich. A Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry stuffing combo in November. A bright, zesty Caprese sandwich in July. Pumpkin-spiced pulled pork in October (yes, it’s a thing). Limited-time offerings create urgency and give your loyal customers something to look forward to. It’s also a great opportunity to test new ideas before committing them to the full-time menu. As QSR Magazine explains, seasonal specials are a strategic tool to boost customer engagement and test innovation without full-time commitment.
Sweet Sandwiches and Dessert Options
Who says sandwiches have to be savory? Round out your menu with a sweet option like a Nutella and banana grilled sandwich, peanut butter and jelly melt, or even an ice cream sandwich using fresh-baked cookies. These menu items are perfect for afternoon cravings, and they’ll give your franchise a full-rounded appeal that doesn’t stop at lunch.
Watch this reel for some ideas:
Conclusion: Make Every Bite Count
Your sandwich menu shouldn’t just fill bellies—it should create memories.
It should be what people tell their friends about, what they crave after a long day, and what they grab on the go without ever sacrificing quality. The key is offering something for everyone while staying true to bold, satisfying flavors and great ingredients.
When it comes to sandwich franchises, success lives and dies by what’s on the menu. So whether you’re crafting a New York-style pastrami or experimenting with Korean fried chicken, make every bite count—and customers will keep lining up at your door.
Note: Sponsored Post
