Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop – James Island

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island is a sandwich shop in Charleston, SC. The shop specializes in toasted sandwiches made with unique bread that is baked fresh daily. The menu features a variety of options, including the signature Salvation sandwich, which contains ham, salami, mortadella, three toasted cheeses, lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard. Other offerings include a Cheese Salvation, Ham Salvation, Meatball sandwich with pork meatballs in marinara sauce, Roast Beef made with in-house roasted top round beef, Pastrami, and a Reuben prepared with pastrami, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese. The shop also serves a French Dip with in-house roasted beef, a BBQ sandwich with in-house pulled pork, and classic options like the BLT, Turkey Club, and Club. Sandwiches are available in small, medium, and large sizes, with the large size intended to feed two. The business provides catering services for events, tailoring offerings to specific tastes and needs.

The history of the shop traces back to the 1970s with the creation of Alvin Ord Johnston, who developed a sandwich recipe that became popular with family and friends. The sandwich was prepared on bread made according to the recipes of his mother, Gertrude Wallace, who was known locally for her family bread recipes. Alvin was encouraged to open a shop to sell his creation, and the first location was established in Austin, TX. His nephews, Rick and John Skinner, who were students at the University of Texas at Austin, assisted with the restaurant. They baked the bread daily in strict accordance with Gertrude's recipe and instructions. Alvin Ord passed away on January 31, 1972, leaving behind a business that continued to evolve from a family recipe into a community staple. The shop now has locations in Texas, Beaufort, and Charleston, SC.

The business holds a rating of 4.90 based on 140 reviews. Customers consistently praise the quality of the food, noting that the sandwiches are filling and feature generous portions of meat and vegetables. Reviews highlight the freshness of the bread and the specific flavors of the Salvation and Philly sandwiches. The French Dip is frequently cited as a standout item, with one customer describing it as the best they have had in Charleston. The staff is noted for being friendly and quick, contributing to a positive dining experience. This strong local reputation is built on a large base of customer reviews that reflect consistent satisfaction with the products and service.

Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop - James Island stands out in Charleston for its fresh, daily-baked bread and the heritage recipe behind its toasted sandwiches.

Services:

• Catering
• Order Online
• Pick Up Your Favorite Food