Coming Soon to Apple Valley: The Elvis Sandwich

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Olive spread, blue cheese, bananas, shrimp.

Those are just a few of the more than 61 toppings that customers can choose from at the soon-to-be-opened Which Wich sandwich shop at 2000 Rahncliff Road in Eagan. The restaurant, part of a national chain based in Texas, is expected to open Feb. 19, according to owner and Eagan resident Jeff Eccles.

The company, which strives to create an edgier environment in its stores, is planning a large-scale expansion in the Twin Cities, Eccles said. The company may open a second store in Eagan, and is planning additional locations in Apple Valley, Eden Prairie and Golden Valley. The Apple Valley shop will likely open this summer, Eccles said.

The company has roughly 220 stores nationwide, with the majority located in southern states, Eccles said.

Eccles, who owns another Which Wich location in Savage, says the restaurant's variety sets it apart from it's competitors. Which Wich has 51 sandwiches on its menu, and hundreds of possible combinations that more adventurous sandwich enthusiasts can try.

The most unusual sandwich the restaurant carries on its menu is the "Elvis Wich," a combination of bananas, bacon, honey and peanut butter, Eccles said.

"We cover the gamut from your basic turkey sandwich to our version of the monte cristo or the French dip," Eccles said. "We have shrimp, buffalo sauce, you name it. There's a myriad of stuff you can put on top of your sandwich."

The Eagan store will employ three or four full-time employees and as many as 18 part-timers, Eccles said. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The store is still hiring hosts, cashiers and shift leaders, according to this Craigslist posting.

Eccles opened the Savage location late last year. The store interiors feature hip decor, and each store has access to its own Which Wich radio station playing customized playlists, Eccles said.

"I went into a store and was immediately struck by the environment," Eccles said. "I loved the feel of their stores."