Sally Sue’s Sandwich Bar, a beloved family-run establishment in Dartford, is facing the heartbreaking possibility of having to close its doors after 11 years of serving the community. The shop, located on St Vincent’s Road, first opened its doors on June 4, 2013, three years after Sally and her family relocated to Dartford. Sally, along with her daughter and husband, have been the driving force behind the success of the sandwich bar, providing not only delicious food but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who walk through their doors.
Despite receiving nothing but positive feedback from the community, Sally has been forced to confront the harsh reality of declining business. With a heavy heart, she has set a deadline until the end of October to assess the viability of keeping the business afloat. Sally shared, “I’m not the easiest person to get on with, any of my customers will tell you, but they all say we should have a show. They come in sometimes just to be lifted up because when you go somewhere – if I’m having a bad day, it would be nice for someone to cheer me up if I went in their shop and that’s what we aim to do. People say they love coming in the shop.”
Sally Sue’s prides itself on offering “something for everyone” when it comes to their menu. From sourcing ingredients from other family-run businesses to preparing all their food fresh daily, the sandwich bar goes above and beyond to provide a memorable dining experience. Customers can customize their sandwiches with a choice of bread, fillings, salads, and sauces, all made right in front of their eyes. Additionally, Sally Sue’s offers a variety of options including cooked breakfasts, smash burgers, smash sausage patties, and specials like curry served with rice or a jacket potato.
In addition to their delectable food offerings, Sally Sue’s also caters to coffee enthusiasts with freshly ground Amazonian coffee beans and house-made milkshakes using real ice cream. Sally’s dedication to meeting customer requests is evident as she shared, “If people ask me to make something and I can do it, I do it.” This commitment to customer satisfaction has garnered a loyal following, with regulars visiting the shop daily and forming lasting friendships with Sally and her team.
The sense of community at Sally Sue’s extends beyond just a place to grab a meal. During the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, the sandwich bar remained open, providing essential items to those in need and offering support to elderly customers who were unable to leave their homes. Sally expressed, “We helped out the old people who didn’t want to come out so my husband would drop off little boxes on their doorstep with bread and milk and the essential items because we knew they wouldn’t come out. That’s what we do because it’s no big deal that’s what we should all be doing, helping each other out, and that’s what we do at Sally Sue’s.”
Despite the challenges faced by Sally Sue’s in recent months, including a significant decrease in business and a reduction in staff, the spirit of resilience and community remains strong. Sally emphasized, “But we’re a community, the girls don’t just work for me we’re friends we’re like a family. It’s different to anywhere else.” The shop’s dog-friendly policy, offering free sausages to furry companions, has also endeared Sally Sue’s to pet owners in the area, with dogs eagerly awaiting their treat even when the shop is closed.
As a courtesy to customers, Sally Sue’s provides parking in front of the shop within a designated keep clear zone, reassuring patrons that they can park there for short periods without penalty. Additionally, for those unable to visit the shop in person, Sally Sue’s offers delivery services to ensure everyone can enjoy their delicious offerings.
In the face of uncertainty, Sally Sue’s Sandwich Bar continues to stand as a beacon of community, friendship, and unwavering dedication to serving the people of Dartford. As Sally and her family navigate the challenges ahead, the outpouring of support from loyal customers and the local community serves as a testament to the impact this small sandwich shop has had on the lives of those it has touched. Let us rally behind Sally Sue’s and show our support for this cherished establishment that has brought so much joy and connection to the community for over a decade.