A Study of Two Sandwich Shops

Architecture and Interior Design Module Project - Video (Revised)



Transcript (Original)

The first stop on this architectural adventure is… Subway. As I approach this familiar food franchise located on the corner of a common commercial construction, the simple signage subtly and subliminally show the way. While I have seen the sign many times, I had never really attended to the all-important arrow that advises all to enter.

While not likely a suggestion from Subway, some of the structural elements at the bend of the building, such as the protruding portico, the prominent pillars, the accenting arches on adjacent sides of the entrance, and the glass store front, supplement the suggestion of a subterranean subway system. As I get closer, I feel as if I will soon descend to the depths where tracks and trains are ready to transport. Instead, I am about to be swallowed into the belly of this global gastronomic giant.

Once inside, I am met, not with the dull and dreary, but a warm and welcoming glow. The mustard-colored mural, mounted on the wall and framed with crown molding, mimic a subway map of a notable New York borough. Cultural and commercial constructions combine with the underground connections to create a sense of being “on the go” and on the scene in Queens. As my eyes follow this feigned fresco, they find full-length photos featuring foods from each of four food groups. These sizable screens scream, “Follow me for FRESH!” In a flash, FRESH is found. Fresh foods are also featured in a tiled collage of sorts, displayed all along the lower front face of the assembly line.

As I move from the mural to the menu, a consistent color scheme keeps my concentration on the freshness and begins to foster the feeling of flavor. Heralding “healthy” hues, such as those drawn from the natural dyes in vegetables (red - tomatoes; green - cucumbers, peppers, and lettuce) or cured into the curds (yellow - cheese) or leavened in loaves (brown - baked bread), the menu boards make my mouth water. Mounted overhead, at the back of the sandwich assembly area, it is easy to see and select certain sandwiches, which start the submarine sandwich assembly process. A sign suspended from the ceiling stating, “Please order here,” marks the starting point at which customers first encounter an employee. While not obvious, this almost ornamental oval communicates a sense of order.

Before the building begins, though, customers are met with an oversized submarine sandwich. This substantial sample, strategically set at eye level, stimulates shoppers’ salivary glands and prompts them to purchase a foot-long rather than a six-inch sub. Just beyond this delicious-looking decoration, the baking center, sporting the Subway logo (aforementioned arrow included), beckons. The warm oven light and baking bread cause the consumer to engage with the product and support the theme of freshness. In addition, chrome appliances and countertops convey cleanliness, as do the glossy white tiles that serve as a backsplash.

Directly in front of the customers, at the start of the assembly line, is a set of placards with nutritional information, sandwich-making ingredients with healthy choice options, and simple step-by-step procedures for sandwich or salad assembly. Once again, health and order are emphasized. As customers follow along the assembly line, glass allows them to gaze down on the ingredients in order to make informed and individual choices. To aid this added level of customer autonomy and accountability, the simple step-by-step signs are placed at strategic stages along the way. This organizational element helps customers plan and prepare for questions they will be asked, which in turn aids efficiency and theoretically preserves the freshness of the product.

Once at the end of the lines, customers meet a few final choices. To customers’ left is a clear case of cookies, with costs and flavors labeled clearly. To the immediate right of customers, in front of the cashier, is a set of cups from which customers choose the size of beverage they would like. This choice must be conducted prior to calculating the cost, but the location of the cups makes this both convenient and customer friendly. As the customers collect their individually wrapped subs, they are able to snag a bag of chips. Whether selected from a wicker basket or wire rack, these savory snacks are easily accessible and a choice tailored to the consumer’s fingertips. Immediately across from the cashier’s counter is a beverage buffet of sorts, with convenience and choice as the cornerstones.

With meal in hand, customers can then choose to sit in one of three seating areas. Two areas, a small area at the back by the bathrooms and a larger area to the left of the entrance, are fitted with tables for two. While ready to reconfigure and flexible enough to fit a family of four or more, the tables are arranged in what might be considered rigid rows that reflect the tight grey tiles on the floor. Order and organization are obvious. The green speckled tabletops and vinyl upholstered seat cushions in green, red, and yellow continue to colors of freshness found throughout the rest of the restaurant. Standard fluorescent lighting with translucent panels to diffuse the light illuminate these eating areas. Perforated panels secured with black stripping serve as the ceiling. The panels above the preparation area, while similar, are separated by a frame of crown molding, like that used to frame the mural. Ceiling fans with a country kitchen style add character and provide circulation as needed. A third area along the right hand side of the restaurant is lined with contoured benches. Each table is designed for four and allows customers to consume their meals while watching out the floor-to-ceiling windows. The natural light filtering in from this wall of windows and the one at the front of the shop also adds to the fresh feel.

When all is said and done, the Subway experience is true to the logo… eat fresh.


After emerging from Subway, I sauntered over to a sandwich shop where sentiment is savored. While similarly structured on the surface, these corner constructions did not have much in common. Beyond the brick, there was much more of this business and building to behold.

From afar, Potbelly presents as… a pub. Approaching from an angle, the forest green awnings, large lantern light fixtures, painted paned glass picture windows, and weathered wooden doors all tilt a traveler’s thoughts toward a tavern. Even the style of the sign, with warm earthy tones and classic “Cheers” font, signals “saloon” rather than “sandwich shop.” Despite the confusion, “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name” (Angelo & Portnoy, 1982). Character calls, and I am compelled to enter.

As I set foot in the door, the sense of “saloon” is sustained… for a second. The speckled brown cement slabs simulate, albeit slightly, dirt. The “Cheers” charm is quickly converted, though, into an old-fashioned soda fountain feel or a setting where sarsaparilla is sold. Unlike Subway, where order is obvious, and where I (and my eye) was almost forced to follow a certain path, the walls of Potbelly are plastered with paraphernalia from the past, which piques my interest immediately. Inundated by interesting images and antique artifacts, I allow my eyes to wander and my mind to wonder. While much of my attention had been directed up, my eyes eventually land on a Potbelly stove positioned prominently at the entrance. What would Potbelly be without this signature stove? Throughout my time in this sandwich shop, a number of vintage variations on this theme pop (or potbelly) up.

When the fascination finally wanes allowing me to direct my attention to design (and dining), I notice a novel niche carved out on the left hand side of the restaurant. Separated from the eating area by a four-foot high wall, an open corridor corrals customers into a queue. At the far end of the cordoned-off area, an illuminated beverage refrigerator draws diners down a divided walkway. Carved wooden posts connected by chains create two columns to facilitate the flow of traffic. These simple and somewhat standard features (with flair) are not only organizational but also inviting. As customers walk and wait, they are able to peruse the products posted on a large black menu board located above the refrigerator. Sandwich names are noted in yellow, while ingredients and / or descriptions follow in green. In addition to being easy to read, the colors conjure up feelings of freshness and flavor, as was the case in Subway. As customers clear the corner and face the counter, they are able to refer to a similar (smaller) menu board located directly above / behind the cashier. This detail is both convenient and somewhat calming, as customers are less likely to get flustered or forget their flavor of choice. A wall where products like pickles and packages of chips are displayed conceals the sandwich assembly area. While customers are unable to see their sandwich, they are able to engage with the enthusiastic and entertaining employees. This design detail promotes a people-centered rather than a product-centered experience. Signs scrolled in all sorts of scripts support the fact that this sandwich shop is something special, something unique. It also implies that the individual is important. Again, person is prioritized over product (although, the products are prepared with pride).

As customers approach the end of the aisle, they can opt to order ice cream or other delectable desserts. The cupboard, cans, and cones all contribute to that classic soda shop sentiment, which is aligned with the antique atmosphere and family-friendly feel. After customers cash in, they can continue to where the colas and condiments are conveniently contained. This quaint corner of the shop sports some wonderful wooden cabinetry and a coveted curio table.

Unlike the fairly uniform seating options available at Subway, Potbelly provides a plethora of places to park, each one unique. Whether a customer is interested in a private park bench for two or a painted patio-type table for three, or a plank-like table with inlayed patterned tile (for four or more), Potbelly has it all. Even though all are intermingled, it is implied that individuality is important and an element of intimacy is evident, as well.

Nothing is lost on lighting, a design detail that definitely adds to the life and levity of this location. Whether looming low or hovering high overhead, each specially selected shade supports the character and charm of this sentimental sandwich shop.

It is clear that character is at the core of the design of this shop, which requires the “curator” to make careful choices regarding what collectibles will cultivate the most curiosity. The amount of time and degree of attention put into the design of this dining establishment, in an effort to positively impact the experience of the customer, reflects directly on the product. The purveyor of Potbelly prioritizes people, insists on individuality, and, in so doing, communicates quality.