SAMMICH WILL CELEBRATE 12 YEARS IN 2025

January 2025

germx7dSy4mixchIt’s been twelve years since Melissa McMillan opened the popular sandwich shop Sammich at 424 Bridge Street, and it reflects everything she loves about Ashland, Chicago, and baseball. While she was born in Texas, she spent most of her childhood in Lake Bluff, a suburb 20 miles north of Chicago.

“I visited my uncle Beasy McMillan 17 years ago and initially planned to stay for just a couple of months during a summer break from Iowa State University,” Melissa said. “I had a summer job lined up working with Beasy at Hong Kong Bar and Cucina Biazzi. During that summer, I quickly fell in love with Ashland and decided to stay. Two years later, I began coaching baseball for Ashland Little League.”

It became clear that Melissa had developed a deep passion for both Ashland and baseball. At some point, she realized the need for a year-round job in a seasonal town, which led to the creation of Sammich in 2013. The restaurant was born out of Melissa’s love for Ashland, baseball, and the food of her childhood.

Melissa’s experience in the restaurant business began at age 13 when she worked at a small Italian restaurant in Chicago. 

“Over the years, I gained expertise in many areas of the industry, accumulating more than seven years of experience before arriving in Ashland,” she said. “While in Ashland, I worked in several restaurants, honing my entrepreneurial skills before opening Sammich.”

Sammich reflects Melissa’s upbringing in Texas and Chicago and the influence of cooking with her father, Mickey. They often prepared meals together, spending time at the smoker making brisket. Melissa’s passion and skills have led to Sammich becoming a nationally recognized restaurant. With locations in both Ashland and Portland’s Burnside neighborhood, Sammich remains a beloved eatery in its communities.

Sammich Ashland specializes in elevated sandwiches made with house-smoked, brined, and roasted meats, sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. The menu reflects Melissa’s dedication to flavor, quality, and simplicity done well, offering bold creations like her famous pastrami, roast beef, and classic Chicago flavors—the Chicago Italian Beef and the Timbo Chicago Cheesesteak.

“My love for Chicago and sports has had a significant impact on my journey as a business owner,” Melissa said. “Time spent at Halas Hall and Sunday football traditions in Chicago with my father instilled a deep appreciation for teamwork, connection, and great food. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community, and I enjoy coaching baseball and spending time with my family.”

At Sammich, guests can expect a welcoming, friendly atmosphere where exceptional food and top-notch hospitality take center stage. Every bite reflects Melissa’s uncompromising commitment to quality, featuring in-house techniques like brining, smoking, and roasting, paired with fresh, local bread and produce.

Sammich Ashland provides catering for events of all sizes, allowing fans of the restaurant to enjoy its bold flavors at their gatherings. Additionally, Sammich-branded merchandise is available for those who want to represent their favorite spot.

“We actively give back to the community through donations and volunteering our time to support local sports programs,” Melissa said.  “Sammich Ashland is more than a sandwich shop; it’s a tribute to family, tradition, and the vibrant community of Ashland. It captures the spirit of doing things the right way, creating a space where guests feel at home and leave with unforgettable memories of both the food and the people behind it.”

For more info, the phone number is 541-708-6055. You also see them at sammichrestaurants.com and on Facebook and Instagram.