ELIZABETHTOWN — After shutting its doors several years ago and seeing a number of restaurants attempt to open in its location, the iconic City Sandwich Shop on South Poplar Street in downtown Elizabethtown is getting reinvented and will be reopening its doors on Monday, Feb. 1.

The new twist to what the City Sandwich Shop will offer its customers are fresh, organic ingredients and other higher-end items.

James Leach, the new owner, said the City Sandwich Shop will keep some of the same breakfast items, such as coffee and fresh baked goods, and would be adding cappuccinos. In addition, the resturant will carry cupcakes, brownies, custom cakes, muffins, and breads.

Sandwiches and salads will be served for lunch, with a focus on organic foods. “It’s something no one else offers, and something people are looking for—salads and stuff like that. We’re bringing something new to the area,” says Leach. As for the source of the organic food, “there are a couple of local providers in the area, but we’re still looking.”

Leach took over the shop back in December and has been doing renovations inside, such as freshening up the walls with a new coat of paint, refinishing the floors, and replacing the counter.

Leach, who moved to the area from Philadelphia, moved here to take care of his parents and said he “just fell in love with the community” and decided to stay.

Although the new City Sandwich Shop will offer familiar menu items, Leach will also be bringing items with a Philadelphia flair, such as cheesesteak, reubens, and Philadelphia butter cake.

The decision to open the City Sandwich Shop was a natural one for the businessman.

“After meeting with the landlord and looking around at it all, it was just the perfect fit for us. I had a vision of what I wanted it to look like, and it was exactly what I wanted,” Leach said.

Leach has previously operated restaurants in Atlantic City, N.J., and Bethlehem, Pa. He has also run a baking business in Bethlehem. He has a degree in culinary arts and has been trained in Italy, specializing in custom cakes. In reopening the restaurant, Leach hopes excellent customer service will stand out and that the restuarant will “bring a little of the city to the country.”

The City Sandwich Shop will be open Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

Chrysta Carroll|Bladen Journal James Leach stands in front of the new City Sandwich Shop on South Poplar Street in downtown Elizabethtown. The restaurant will open on Monday. Feb. 1.
https://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_IMG_36731.jpgChrysta Carroll|Bladen Journal James Leach stands in front of the new City Sandwich Shop on South Poplar Street in downtown Elizabethtown. The restaurant will open on Monday. Feb. 1.

Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com