By mid-June, Herb'n Twine Sandwich Co. is expected to open at 4309 Lorain Avenue, in the storefront space adjacent to Bloom & Clover Wax Studio.
Owner Brendon Messina, currently a sous chef at Rockefeller’s in Cleveland Heights, describes the shop as a quick-serve stop for local residents, commercial tenants, and anybody else looking for a wholesome, delicious lunch or dinner.
“There are a lot of places to sit down and eat in Ohio City, but there aren’t a lot of grab-and-go spots,” he explains.
Build-out has begun on the 1,400-square-foot space. The goal is a clean, simple and straightforward neighborhood shop with a “modern-meets-distressed” look. The interior will feature a sandwich bar, open kitchen and a few tables for dine-in eating.
The menu will feature soups, salads and about a half-dozen sandwiches. Messina will rely heavily on local producers and suppliers like The Pork Chop Shop, Cheese Shop, Blackbird Baking, and Premier Produce. Items range from vegan-friendly salads to pork-based sandwiches.
A play on “urban,” Herb'n Twine is just the latest indie startup launched by locals to serve the immediate neighborhood. Messina joins Rachel Kingsbury’s wonderful new Grocery (3815 Lorain Ave., 216-543-6388, thegroceryohc.com) as a new wave of development continues to push down Lorain Avenue. Still to come are Plum Café and Humble Pie Bakery.
“That street is definitely going to become a lot more popular,” Messina predicts. “I wanted to get in there early and make my presence known.”
