Rebooted Taylor Gourmet May Compete With a New Shop From the Chain’s Founder

New ownership will revive local sandwich chain Taylor Gourmet, Washingtonian reported today, planning a return to the D.C. market while the brand’s founder introduces a competing shop on the Southwest waterfront that lists hoagies with identical names as the ones that propelled his former company’s rise.

According to Washingtonian, a company called Source Cuisine acquired Taylor Gourmet’s business via bankruptcy auction in March, beating bids from original owner Casey Patten and cafe chain Cosi. Source reportedly spent $260,000 on Taylor Gourmet’s assets, has raised another $2.5 million, and is in negotiations with landlords to re-open at five former locations.

In a turn of events that stunned the District, the popular destination for Philly-style subs closed all but one of its 17 D.C. locations — and two in Chicago — in September. The lone holdout was a counter inside Reagan National Airport, often referred to as the zombie Taylor, that stayed open because it operates under a licensing agreement.

At the time of its rapid decline, an anonymous source told Washingtonian that Patten’s decision to meet with President Donald Trump for a small business event at the White House led to a 40 percent drop in sales overnight.

Now Patten has a new shop, Grazie Grazie, that is expected open Tuesday in the Wharf development. Washington City Paper reported that Patten is leading the solo venture, and an advisor for the business confirmed the news to Eater.

Grazie Grazie will introduce build-your-own sandwiches and sides of fries, two elements that Taylor Gourmet didn’t have. But a menu published online shows that some subs at Patten’s new place are identical to items from Taylor Gourmet, including the names.

As was the case at Taylor , the 9th sandwich will have salami, hot capicola, and prosciutto; a Cumberland will have chickpea fritters and roasted garlic tahini dressing; and a Race will have herb-roasted turkey, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and sweet basil pesto.

While Taylor Gourmet signage still stands at some locations, like the one in Navy Yard, others have already begun to take on new life. Prima, the incoming casual counter for healthy Italian bowls from chef Michael Schlow’s restaurant group, will open inside a former Taylor Gourmet on Bethesda Row.

• Taylor Gourmet Is Coming Back From the Dead Under New Ownership [Washingtonian]
• Taylor Gourmet Owner Casey Patten Tries Again with Grazie Grazie at The Wharf [Washington City Paper]
• Taylor Gourmet Will Close All of Its Stores. Insiders Blame Trump. [Washingtonian]
• Some of D.C.’s Best Chefs Gave Sneak Peeks of Their Next Restaurants [EDC]