Detroit Sandwich Party Returns to Eastern Market for Its Third Year

Sunday’s sunshine turned Detroit’s Eastern Market into a bona‑fide sandwich sanctuary. Around 50 vendors spread out among the historic stalls, each firing up grills, layering layers and, in many cases, selling out before the day was even halfway over.

“We’ve got fifty different vendors. It’s madness,” laughed Carlos Parisi, the organizer, as he watched crowds weave between booths. The energy was palpable – a mix of longtime locals and fresh faces, all united by a love for the humble sandwich.

Among the veterans, Chef Greg’s Soul‑N‑The Wall stood out. With nearly two decades in Detroit’s food scene, Gregory Beard is known for his “boogaloo” sandwich – a towering, flavor‑packed creation you won’t find anywhere else.

“There’s only one place to get a boogaloo sandwich and that’s Chef Greg’s,” Beard said, chuckling as his son, Gregory Jr., handed out samples. “I got one in chicken, I got one in steak, I got one in hamburger.” The younger Beard added, “Seeing that many sandwiches on one block – that’s a big deal.”

Newcomers were there, too. Andy French of The Cafe Moto, which just celebrated its third week in Ferndale, offered a quirky twist on classic paninis. “We’re still getting the word out, but people love the flavor combos we’re trying,” French said, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Visitors like Miranda Clark, who runs James Oliver, lingered to taste the variety. “There’s so much talent,” she mused. “I can’t wait to sample everything – hopefully I have time later.”

The event isn’t just about eating; it’s a showcase of Detroit’s culinary identity. Each stall told a story – from street‑style hot‑dogs to artisanal vegan subs – painting a picture of a city that’s as diverse as its sandwich lineup.

For anyone who missed the party, most of the vendors keep their doors open year‑round across metro Detroit. So the flavors aren’t limited to a single Sunday; they’re part of the city’s everyday menu.

As the sun set over the market’s iconic brick arches, the consensus was clear: the Detroit Sandwich Party has cemented itself as a yearly tradition, and its appetite for growth shows no signs of slowing.