Calgary is experiencing somewhat of a boom in sandwiches of late, with local spots like Scozzafava’s Deli opening their doors over the last few months.
One new addition, Bonjour Sandwich Shop, is set on bringing the very best tastes of France and Italy to the city, offering classic sandwiches featuring quality ingredients.
The spot opened in Marda Loop last year, quickly becoming a favourite for many Calgarians.
The concept
Charlie Hart/Dished
Bonjour Sandwich Shop is the brainchild of François Mion, who originates from France and worked at Avitus Wine Bar in Marda Loop, which was his first foray into the restaurant industry. From there, he told Dished that he got the idea to venture out on his own.
“I saw there was an opportunity for a little European store, especially for sandwiches,” Mion explained.
“Sandwiches are something that I’ve always been interested in, always playing around at home and fixing easy lunches, but still with good products.”
While sandwiches are popular around the world in some shape or form, Mion had a very specific vision of what he wanted to create, taking inspiration from his home country.
However, Mion said he was also keen to tackle Italian handhelds as the country has a “great culture” for sandwiches.
“The best sandwiches that I’ve had are either from France or Italy… I really wanted to have both cultures under the same roof and make it possible to represent those two cultures and make it accessible to everyone because it’s hard to find really good European sandwiches in Calgary,” he added.
The sandwiches
Thus, the concept of Bonjour Sandwich Shop was born. The store offers two distinct sides of its menu, with handhelds served on fresh French baguettes or Italian schiacciata, with a selection of toppings you would often see in the two countries.
While good bread is the “key ingredient,” Moin said, it was also crucial to work with trusted suppliers to gather the highest quality ingredients. As you walk into the store, you’ll be greeted by a fridge stocked with everything from mortadella and calabrese salami to Bayonne ham, Morbier, and raclette.
Charlie Hart/Dished
Since opening, Mion said the spot’s best seller has been its French-inspired Turkey Move, featuring smoked turkey, Emmenthal, avocado, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, and mayo served on a baguette.
Another heavy hitter for Bonjour has been it’s Hot & Cheeky, which features herby schiacciata topped with ‘nduja, porchetta, mozzarella di buffalo, roasted red pepper, and caramelized onion.
Opening in Marda Loop
Charlie Hart/Dished
Bonjour Sandwich Shop officially opened its doors to hungry Calgarians in September. The spot forms part of Avenue Thirty-Four where it’s joined by venues such as DOPO and Bar Rocca.
As many will know and have experienced, Marda Loop was very much under construction at the time, with near-constant road closures.
For Mion, the beginning was “challenging” and business started slow. This ultimately turned out to be a good thing, allowing him time to figure out the space and learn how to operate it day by day.
“Being slow at the beginning was perfect, so I could focus on getting better quickly,” he said.
The slow start didn’t last for long, with the concept generating a lot of interest within the first few weeks of opening.
“One day at a time, people were getting to know the place slowly, by word of mouth,” Mion said.
“It worked out pretty well for me, actually, so I’m feeling pretty lucky.”
Now, Bonjour Sandwich Shop has been able to cement itself as part of the Marda Loop community, drawing in both new and returning customers with its fast service and quality sandwiches.
“At the same time, it’s pretty small and quiet. People like coming, having a seat and taking the time to eat here,” he added.
Have you tried Bonjour Sandwich Shop yet? Let us know in the comments.
Bonjour Sandwich Shop
Address: 1909 34th Avenue SW #101, Calgary
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