Self-described foodie Marjorie Miller has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Miller started at Surf City Sandwich five years ago and got along well with owners Paul and Elaine Figliomeni. This relationship, combined with a business-savvy from years working on Wall Street earlier in life, propelled her to general manager after four years.
The New Jersey native defines the spot as a top-quality artisan sandwich house with a motto of “Go fresh or go home.”
In addition to weekly rotating specials, the menu features hot and cold sandwiches and vegan and gluten-free options. The top-selling hot sandwich is the “Philly,” made with grass-fed Angus beef. One of the yummy cold options is the “Johnny Utah,” a huge sammy stuffed with smoked turkey, avocado and gouda. Then there are the standout sides: the garlic fries are sure to ward off any vampires, and the “Beer Barnacles” loaded tater tots are good for the munchies.
Surf City Sandwich is open 10:30am-3pm every day. Recently, Miller chatted with GT about their handcrafted potato chips and the Surf City team.
What makes your chips so hip?
MARJORIE MILLER: We take great pride in putting out our housemade potato chips. They are included with every sandwich and are made fresh every morning by our cooks Danny and Angel. We use fresh vegetable oil, changed daily, and we spice them up with our own seasoning. Our customers really love them; they are a big hit.
Tell me about your staff?
The good food here is apparent, and it can’t be executed without a good, solid team. I grew up playing team sports and was one of eleven children, so I learned that you have to lean on others to reach a common goal. To ask for help when you need it, and give help to others when they ask for it. Our team now has stuck together steadfastly over the last two challenging years, and it’s a really hard job to serve the public. This is even more so during the pandemic, but our team does it with grace and enthusiasm, and that’s what we do.
4101 Soquel Drive, Soquel, 831-346-6952. surfcitysandwich.com.
