Update 12/7/23: Earl of Sandwich told V.I.A. by email that opening day is set for Dec. 9. Original story follows.
Makers of what they call "the world's greatest hot sandwich" have mouths watering in Metro Vancouver with a global chain's announcement it is moving into Langley's Willoughby Town Centre this fall.
Earl of Sandwich, which got its start back in 2004 at Walt Disney World's Disney Springs, is prepping to open its first restaurant in Metro Vancouver, aiming to open at the mall this October.
It's only fitting that when your family tree includes the actual "Earl of Sandwich" you would open a fast food sandwich chain in Florida and give it that exact name.
"We Invented the Sandwich® and have been eating sandwiches since 1762," touts Earl of Sandwich on its website. "Lord John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich® and his son, the Honorable Orlando Montagu, direct descendants of the inventor of the sandwich, partnered with Robert Earl, founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood®, to launch the Earl of Sandwich® restaurants," explains the U.S.-based restaurant chain.
The chain is known for its extensive menu of sandwiches, including several breakfast items, wraps, and the Earl of Sandwich's signature hot sandwich selections.
The Hot Sandwich menu features things like "The Montagu," named for the founders, which has roasted beef, turkey, Swiss, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and Earl's mustard sauce, and "The Original 1762" which has roasted beef, cheddar, and horseradish sauce. Other options include a meatball sandwich (also available plant-based), ham and cheese, a club, a veggie, and a "holiday turkey" with all the trimmings.
The Earl of Sandwich menu also includes sides like tater tots, soups, salads, and some kid-friendly options for little eaters.
The Willoughby Town Centre location will mark the Earl of Sandwich's second outpost in British Columbia and sixth overall in Canada. The chain has over 30 locations in the U.S. as well as restaurants in France (at Disneyland Paris), the Philippines, and South Korea.
For its first Metro Vancouver franchise, follow @earlofsandwichyvr on Instagram for updates.