GollyWhoppers Sandwich Shoppe is the recent winner of this year's Chattanooga Times Free Press "Best of the Best" People's Choice Award for Best Sandwich Shop.
"It is a real honor to be chosen Best of the Best in 2012," says Dave Hendrix, who owns and runs the restaurant with his wife, Durene. "We've taken runner-up several times, which was always great, but considering how many sandwich shops there are compared to five years ago makes it really special."
Over the past few years, Golly- Whoppers has undergone renovations, offered rewards cards so guests can earn free sandwiches and added tasty additions to the menu such as the Gollyburger and GollyWhopper.
Hendrix says guests who come to the sandwich shop often as well as those biting into one of the freshly made sandwiches or one-of-a-kind desserts for the first time have been enthusiastic about the restaurant's bright, family-friendly atmosphere and finely tuned menu.
"We want to thank everyone who voted for us," he says. "We've been in business for 15 years now and have been blessed with a lot of really great customers. Many people have become friends that we know by name. That's when you know you've been in business for awhile, when the toddlers you used to feed are working for you now.
As the season changes, Hendrix reminds guests new and old that they can enjoy their favorite sandwiches, loaded baked potatoes and so much more as part of specialty catered events. The popular restaurant has worked with a variety of clients over the years for catering, including EPB, Abba's House, DMI concerts, Volkswagen, several Hamilton County public schools, the city of Chattanooga Mayor's Office, doctor's offices and many other well-known businesses and organizations.
"The holiday season is fast approaching and we start doing our gift boxes filled with homemade desserts, breads and cookies," Hendrix says. "These are always a favorite and can be shipped for out-of-town recipients. Of course sandwich and dessert trays are great for parties, gatherings or any function that food is needed."
All tray orders are prepared the day they are delivered, with loaves of bread fresh from the oven sliced and topped with choices like smoked turkey, ham, salami, corned beef, roast beef, pastrami and bologna. Vegetarians can enjoy a specialty tray piled high with fresh greens and sliced vegetables. To go along with a sandwich tray, the kitchen staff can prepare various sides, including pasta, potato or broccoli salad, baked beans or cole slaw.
For gatherings at the office, Hendrix says guests often prefer to order boxed lunches that can be as simple as a sandwich and chips or which can be accompanied by a variety of sides, dessert bars, cookies or fruit.
GollyWhoppers can also go beyond the sandwich, setting up a hot taco bar or a baked potato bar with all the fixings from sour cream and chives to cheddar cheese.
LOCATION: 6337 East Brainerd Road.
PHONE: 855-2001.
FAX: 855-2126.
HOURS: Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
NICE TO KNOW: There is a party room available at the restaurant for celebrations or gatherings.