True sandwich prep counters are “just right for the job”
250 years after he invented the world’s favourite light meal, the Earl of Sandwich’s family is putting their expertise into establishing a global brand: a sandwich bar chain named after their famous ancestor. With 14 sites in the USA, the Group has just launched the first UK Earl of Sandwich outlet, at Ludgate Hill in the City of London. And, despite the hot competition in this sector of the High Street, there are queues round the corner every lunchtime.
The success of the brand is down to its signature speciality: made-to-order hot sandwiches. Fresh, quality ingredients are essential and to ensure Earl of Sandwich has a steady supply it turned to True Refrigeration.
“We specified True’s purpose-designed sandwich prep counters,” says Alex Garland, general manager of Earl of Sandwich Europe. “They give us a truly flexible solution. The ingredients are stored in wells mounted into the cabinet’s work surface. The wells accept a variety of pan sizes, so we can adjust them to suit the menu. And the counter’s layout allows us to run either one or two sandwich assembly lines, using the same cabinet, as staff can access the ingredients from both sides.”
Fabio Martello of Colosseum Catering Equipment Ltd, which carried out the catering installation at Ludgate, is also a True fan. “The counters’ oversize worktop gives plenty of room for staff to chop, prep and trim,” he says. “They also have a pull-down lid that covers the ingredient wells and cuts energy use when it’s quiet.
“The True cabinets have to cope with being sited right next to the oven – yet temperature control is very good, the ingredients pans are well-chilled, and there’s plenty of refrigerated storage in the cabinet below.
“They’re just right for the job.”
The two True sandwich prep counters at the Ludgate site are both twin cabinet units with the ‘Mega Top’ (oversized worktop) option. The 340 litre capacity unit (model TSSU-48) can hold up to 18 one sixth gastronorm ingredients pans in its top-mounted wells, the larger 439 litre unit (TSSU-60) can accommodate up to 24.
Customers place their order, walk along the counter to the pay station, then continue to the pickup point. Meanwhile their sandwich is making a mirror-journey in the kitchen: staff assemble it on the True sandwich prep counters, then it goes through an impinger conveyor oven. When it comes out garnishes are added, again from a True sandwich prep counter. Lastly, it is wrapped in Earl of Sandwich’s signature gold paper and served.
The Ludgate Earl of Sandwich is already serving over 3,000 customers every week, despite 85% of its business coming on weekdays, noon till 2.00pm. “At peak times we’re incredibly busy,” says Alex Garland. “That’s why we need maximum flexibility from our prep equipment.
“Ever since we opened the first Earl of Sandwich in the States, the family has wanted to bring the concept to the UK. Ludgate is an ideal test bed: there’s lots of competition but it’s also a big market, both for office workers and tourists.”
Including its downstairs lounge, the Ludgate site’s area is about 2,500 square feet. “Most of our business is take-way but we have 40 seats on the serving floor and can accommodate more diners in-house in the lounge.”
The success of Ludgate will mean expansion for Earl of Sandwich. As well as plans for more UK sites, the brand is spreading into Europe – its first continental outlet is a 7,000 square foot site in Euro Disney France.
The True Refrigeration range is available through dealers across the UK and Ireland. For more information visit www.truemfg.co.uk or call True UK on +44 (0) 1709 888888.