BreadCo. Seeks Best Homemade Sandwich in St. Louis

Sandwich enthusiasts across St. Louis now have the opportunity to put their sandwich-making skills to the test. The  Great Sandwich Showdown Contest is underway. This contest gives amateur chefs, bread connoisseurs and fans of delicious sandwiches throughout the city the chance to have their homemade concoction named the best sandwich in St. Louis. The winning sandwich also may become a featured menu item at all 48 BreadCo bakery-cafes in the St. Louis metro area. 

“Saint Louis Bread Co. has always taken pride in offering a variety of freshly baked breads and new and exciting sandwich choices,” said Don Hutcheson, the St. Louis Area Director in a statement. “Our loyal customers know what makes a great-tasting sandwich, and have come to expect nothing but the best from our bakery-cafes. Now we’re asking them for their idea of a perfect sandwich, and to share that sandwich recipe with the city of St. Louis.” 

Now through Sept. 15, sandwich enthusiasts can submit their original sandwich recipes online at or by mail. The site gives contestants a list of toppings and ingredients, which can be combined with the company’s famous artisan and other specialty breads to create the ideal sandwich.

Contestants will also be asked to tell the story behind their submission and why their entry should be named the next great St. Louis sandwich.

After all submissions are received, Saint Louis Bread Co. will narrow the field to 20 finalists. The public will then be invited to vote online to help determine the top five finalists whose sandwiches will compete in the live portion of the Great Sandwich Showdown Contest Oct. 26.

At the event, a panel consisting of Hutcheson, Panera Head Chef Dan Kish, Panera Head Baker Tom Gumpel, local celebrity judges and the attending crowd will help name the winning sandwich. The winner will receive $2,500 cash and one year of Saint Louis Bread Co. bagels, as well as the chance to have their sandwich featured on cafe menu boards throughout the St. Metro area.

“We’re excited to see what kind of sandwiches St. Louis has in store for us,” Hutcheson said. “For years our chefs have been dedicated to finding the right combination of ingredients and breads for our signature sandwiches, and we know there are aspiring chefs throughout St. Louis who are ready to do the same. It’s going to be a fantastic contest, and we can’t wait to find the next great sandwich for Saint Louis Bread Co.”  

In 2010, Paula Korman won the Sandwich Showdown with her Beefsteak Blue entry. Prior winners also include Lisa Hazard from Barnhart with a Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich, and Caitlin Houstin of St. Louis, who won with her Athens Chicken Sandwich.