This ‘hidden gem’ served the ‘world’s greatest hot sandwich’ — in Meridian. It closed
Sandwich shops tend to be a highly opinionated subject.
One man’s Uncle Giuseppe’s might be another man’s Capriotti’s. Local isn’t always considered superior to chain. And, sometimes, just feeling like your sandwich restaurant is a borderline “secret” could magically make everything taste better.
Was that the case with Earl of Sandwich in Meridian?
An under-the-radar national franchise, Earl of Sandwich had one Idaho location until recently. Now it has none. Earl of Sandwich has closed at 3775 N. Eagle Road, inside a Jacksons convenience store and Chevron gas stop, where it also had an exterior drive-thru.
Still, there’s good news for fans in the Boise area.
But first a bit of background.
Claiming to serve “the world’s greatest hot sandwich,” Earl of Sandwich plays off the history of the meat-and-bread concept. “In 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, invented the meal that changed dining forever,” its website explains. “... We made the first sandwich. Now we make the best sandwich.”
Earl of Sandwich’s menu includes choices such as The Original 1762 (roasted beef, cheddar, horseradish sauce), The Full Montagu (roasted beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, lettuce, Roma tomato, Earl’s mustard sauce) and a Holiday Turkey (turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise).
It also sells wraps, salads and soups.
Feelings about the Meridian shop were somewhat mixed on Google, where Earl of Sandwich earned 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. But some Idahoans definitely seemed to appreciate, if not borderline love, the food.
“No one would expect such a great sandwich in a gas station,” a Google reviewer observed a few months ago. “I have to admit that it’s a gem hidden there.”
What sent the Earl packing? That’s unclear. “Sorry about the inconvenience,” a closure note says at the former Jacksons location.
But observant Meridian motorists driving down Chinden Boulevard have probably noticed a Fast Eddy’s and Chevron gas station under construction at the intersection of Ten Mile Road.
Outside, there’s a prominent Earl of Sandwich sign. In addition, there’s a banner hanging from construction fencing on the outskirts of the property.
“Earl of Sandwich,” it announces. “Coming soon!”
Royally awesome.