Greg Nakayama takes a break from the kitchen and chats with a patron in his East Brainerd sandwich shop.One year ago today, March 23, Greg Nakayama opened Greg’s Sandwich Works, and now he is celebrating with an anniversary party.
Since opening, Nakayama has grown his local following with freshly made sandwiches, homemade soups and more. His favorites, he said, are either the Italian or Greg’s Special, a deliciously cheesy pimento and turkey concoction.
For the one-year anniversary, Nakayama is holding raffles for gift cards ranging from $10-$30, offering free samples of sandwiches, T-shirts, cake, ice cream and more to customers.
“I just want to show big thanks to all my customers, from my loyal ones to the first-timers who are just passing through looking for a good sandwich,” he said.
Nakayama said he hopes to see his business continue to grow over the next year, but said his biggest goal is to continue to make time to speak to his patrons individually.
“I want to continue to grow, but I also just want to be able to get out there with my customers,” he said. ” The goal is to always be able to really listen for the answer when I ask ‘How are you,’ and mean it, instead of just asking it while passing by. I think that’s important and I hate it when I’m too busy and I can’t.”
Greg’s Sandwich Works is at 6337 East Brainerd Road and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call 551-8634.