Downtown New Canaan mainstay Club Sandwich is open for pickup 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. For today’s Q&A, we hear from owner Leo Gaspar about how the Cherry Street deli is managing through the COVID-19 emergency and related changes. Here’s our exchange.
Sandwich from Club Sandwich in New Canaan.
New Canaanite: What has this past week been like for you?
Leo Gaspar: It was a really busy week trying to navigate all the information we were receiving from the government. Our Health Department has been great as always. I built a counter at the front door for our take out orders. It was really hard not allowing our friends-customers into the store. It didn’t feel right.
How is you faring business-wise? How would you gauge your ability to outlast this?
Business is slow, about 50% less than normal. I feel we can do this for a couple of months, but for everyone’s mental health, I hope we can get a treatment soon.
Chicken soup from Club Sandwich on Cherry Street.
How is your staff?
I have all my employees working even though I could send them home. They are grateful to be able to work.
What have you been hearing from customers during this time?
Our customers have been happy to see us open and able to serve them.
Ham, egg and cheese on a roll, from Club Sandwich on Cherry Street.
What have your most popular menu items been since switching to outside pickup?
We have been selling lots of chicken cutlets, we cook them to order so it is a favorite, chicken and vegetable soup and breakfast sandwiches.
What is your message for customers?
We want the community to know we are doing everything we can to safely serve them. They are not just customers to us, they are our friends.
Thank you Leo and Jennifer. Jack and Margaux have been asking so we will definitely swing by for a pick up. I am grateful for you and your employees that you have adjusted and are keeping your doors open. Wishing you all the very best during this time.
Together we will get through this!