JB’s creates sandwiches to order at Levis Commons

   Sarnie — noun. A British term for “sandwich.”    
   Occupying the final space on the right side of Levis Commons Blvd, the British-based JB’s Sarnie Shoppe is a place where “building your own sarnie” is an understatement. The ingredients offered are beyond the typical chicken, lettuce, tomato combo, including fresh delicacies like prosciutto, grilled asparagus, and avocado. The breads, cheeses, and dressings are of gourmet quality, including French baguette, Gorgonzola cheese and pesto mayo sauce. In addition to the sandwiches, they also serve soups, salads and smoothies.
   Owners Gareth Jones and Bruce Bansbach create the “JB” in the deli’s name. Through a previous business, the duo got together to change the deli industry. Bansbach, a Toledo native, and Jones, from England, united their influences to make JB’s a unique family eatery.
   “We saw a need for a true deli,” Bansbach said. “Where people can just come in and eat.”
   The delicatessen takes pride in their selection of homemade sauces and gluten-free bread, baked fresh twice daily. The meat and cheeses, ordered from Boar’s Head, are top-tier deli products, and the smoothies contain only fruit juices, not syrups. The menu is also flexible, with vegetarian- friendly options and catering available. In addition to the “sarnies”, the daily operations are what make the customers return for more. Every day, from open to close, one or both of the owners are running the shop, interacting with customers and creating that family atmosphere. They also extend this customer service to locally owned businesses, offering a variety of Toledo area products, including The Flying Joe’s coffee, Cake in a Cup cupcakes and Izzy B’s candy.
   Bansbach and Jones agree on the importance of helping out local entrepreneurs and keeping the money within the community, not with out-of-town distributors.
To add to the fun atmosphere, JB’s hosts an eating contest where challengers take on a sandwich with one pound of meat, four ounces of cheese and two vegetables. If eaten within one hour, they become a member of “The Pounder Club.” The current record is three minutes and 14 seconds.
   “We want it to be an experience rather than just eating out,” Jones said. “We want it to be a break from real life.”

JB’s Sarnie Shoppe is located at 4195 Levis Commons Blvd, Levis Commons in Perrysburg. 419-931-1080/www.jbsarnieshoppe.com.