Nothing better than a good sandwich, once again; in Billings, Montana where any kind of a “Delicatessen” aka “ Deli “ does not exist! Ask for a “Deli” it will likely be thought of as some kind of rodeo event. Trying to go and buy pastrami is also an ordeal (this is not ever going to be a food destination, it is all white people). So, when I found out that there was a place where I might get a decent pastrami sandwich, what the hell?!
My grandson and I decided to visit TOPZ SANDWICH COMPANY. Upon entering the place looks upscale and well lit, welcoming. The owner of this small 3 store chain is a gentlemen by the name of Tucker Veltkamp, his primary concern is that the food he serves be the best that money can buy. His passion for great meat is as strong as it is to make a decent profit. The glass door to enter any business, especially a restaurant should always be clean and free of smudges and finger prints. Doors should be clean and all surfaces should look clean and inviting.
Upon walking in we were greeted by Zach, immediately I felt good. Zach had a great vibe, a young man who looked to really be happy with his job. Well there, on the menu was my pastrami sandwich, it comes with swiss cheese. The Heavens were opening! You can stand and watch your sandwich being made and that too, is a BIG plus. Zach had a nice fresh roll that he spread a condiment on and assembled my pastrami sandwich. The ‘All American’ sandwich was also ordered and again made fresh right in front of us, this is really a great service to the public. Zach represents the brand as well as it can get…. pleasant and enjoying his work! So unusual these days.
Any great sandwich is all about great ingredients and friendly service, we got all that and a great place to eat and more here at TOPZ. The price of the sandwiches were not bad, $10.99 each and the cheese sauce for the corn chips $ 3.00, that too was great. Two drinks $2.50 and it was all you refill at your pleasure. Quality is the most important thing to this sandwich chain, Tucker is obsessed about this. I have eaten all over this world, quite literally, so I know what good and great food is! TOPZ definitely is a go to for John J. Nazarian.
Immediately we noticed that the meat for sandwiches is being weighed….. not a happy sight, however. It is all about the profits and all these places do it, here they don’t try and hide it, all is open to see. This is fair and the meat looks like meat, this too is unusual. In this instance, the proportion of meats and fresh lettuce/vegetables was perfect. My pastrami was really good, served warm and absolutely delicious. A sauce is coated on the bread, really delicious. The other sandwich was equally delicious and fresh greens! (My teenage grandson inhaled it). It was for me a great eating experience! Did I mentioned the coleslaw, so good, sooooooo good. I love coleslaw and potato salads.
The restaurant is clean and very bright, it is a very pleasant and comfortable place to have a sandwich with a friend or in my case, my grandson. The flavors and the quality of what I was eating was certainly present. I found no issues with the food or its quality. As I always look for problems. I thrive on finding issues in the places that I critique. I have terrorized hotels and businesses in what I thought of an establishment. So many places exists for the profits and rip you off at every turn. In my opinion, the only thing that counts in my world is MY OPINION. Unfortunately, I am seldom ever wrong.
What I found at TOPZ is a honest desire to provide the best quality meats and products available. I think that is a quest of the owner. Great food and even better service. Congratulations to Tucker for a job well done and Zach!
I visited the bathroom as we all know, nasty bathrooms can be a reflection of the kitchen conditions that we cannot see. The restroom was large and it too was clean and easy to get in and out of. Bathrooms are a real problem for many businesses, not here! Bathrooms are not a cheap addition to any business that caters to the public. Clean toilets and clean sinks, floors spotless, not easy, but it is critical!
Zach and another worker arrived and it was just business of making great sandwiches and not much of that annoying chatter that can be very distracting. I hate the nonsense of employees talking loud and discussing personal issues for all of us trying to eat to hear. For some strange reason the only thing I found was a potted plant sitting in a spot as if it was an after thought. IF, a plant is going to be in any business it should be impressive and not just one. Not sure if this was a ‘gift’ or someone thought it was a good thing.
This style of restaurant would be so cool at the Billings’ Logan Airport or at any airport. The place is well designed and very relaxing, just what you need when preparing for a flight. I love bringing a sandwich on board even for an hour or so flight. Another suggestion would be to reach out to the private aircraft facilities here in Billings and offer to cater the private flights. I fly private frequently and the food is always gorgeous in the preparation and the way it is served to us while in flight. TOPZ I believe, is in the same category, it looks great and taste amazing. TOPZ should be in the happy skies of Montana and the rest of the U.S.
When you come to a TOPZ SANDWICH COMPANY location, I promise you, the food will be great and the quality is something that they take pride in serving! And the coleslaw, OMG!! I loved it, it seems like it is made in house, really worth asking for! Before I forget, the Shredded Chicken sandwich, I hate chicken anything, I LOVE THIS SANDWICH!
Thank you Zach/Tucker for having a TOPZ in Billings, Montana for a great afternoon snack, the catering is one of the best!
We will be back with the rest of my family!