“Hello, my name is Marcus. I love food and I love people, especially the people who make the food.” – Marcus Paul
Delicious food, friendly faces, and the connection of more, greet folks who come to grab a meal at the bright yellow food truck on Victory Parkway, home to the Sandwich Club. The flavors are rich with the menu changing weekly to offer more cultural variety and flavor diversity. Chef Marcus and his partner Kelsey Brandt live just blocks from where they park their sandwich truck, providing Northsiders not just a truly delicious food experience, but a neighbor connection.
While I was chatting with Marcus and Kelsey, folks kept coming to secure their meals for the afternoon. Folks come with their wagon of kids, bike with friends, drive from work, walk their pets, stroll for exercise, all to come and get their sandwich and say hi to neighbors who have become friends.
Marcus’ family, history, and legacy is the Waterfront Deli in Bettendorf, IA. It’s where he fell in love with cooking for strangers. First the dishes, then the prep, the register, and finally, he got to the cooking. Marcus credits his family’s deli as the place that taught him about hospitality, where you not only take care of folks with food but with comfort and a smile. Meeting Kelsey in the food business felt like a natural connection that continues to grow in business and in love. Kelsey was a key founder in Utepils Brewery, starting up a business here on the Northside where her family has lived for generations.
Standing on this food legacy spurred Marcus on to study to get a formal degree as a chef at the Art Institute of Mpls. Studying under multiple chefs and working in restaurants still wasn’t enough. Marcus knew he wanted to explore the connection between people and their culture and food. He and Kelsey took a two-year journey around the country exploring the land, the towns, the diners and food, and the people who bring it all together. It is this journey that serves up the weekly inspiration of Sandwich Club’s menu.
Sandwich creations have included Bodega Buddy, Banh Boi, Southern Belle, Lil’ Buddy, Tommy Pickles, and Beggie Smash Wrap. They have hot and cold sandwiches, snack sandwiches, sides and sweets. It’s a gourmet sandwich experience right here on the parkway in Camden Town.
You can snag a top-shelf sandwich from the bright yellow food truck Wednesday – Friday on the parkway near the Victory Memorial on 44th. The Sandwich Club is exclusive to the Northside. To ensure their hours, or to catch them at other Camden Town events, make sure to follow and support them on Instagram at @sandwichclubmpls. Following them on Instagram also ensures you are inspired by their story, their adventures, and when a permanent location will be opening up right here on the Northside!
Northsiders are not strangers in navigating the hustle to make dreams realities. The Sandwich Club Food Truck is a perfect stepping stone in building relationships and love for the gourmet sandwich experience before a permanent location can be established.
When a sandwich connects people to culture, a chef to legacy, community to local food, and neighbors to their dreams. Is it possible for a sandwich truck to do all that? The heart of Chef Marcus and repeat customers say yes.