Tucked into the Nelson shopping center across the street from Texas State University, Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop has been feeding San Marcos residents since 1978.
Alvin Ord's Sandwich Shop offers counter service. Customers place their order at the counter and an employee brings their sandwich to the table when it's ready. (Sienna Wight/Community Impact)


What’s on the menu

Alvin Ord’s serves a variety of sandwiches, with and without meat, on fresh-baked bread. The signature sandwich is “The Salvation,” which features spiced ham, salami, cheddar, parmesan and mozzarella.

In addition to made-to-order sandwiches, the team also offers housemade pickles, chips, and a rotating selection of baked goods, including pies and puddings.

Bill Martin bought the San Marcos location in 1983—five years after it opened. (Sienna Wight/Community Impact)
The backstory


Alvin Ord Johnston opened the original Austin shop on South Congress Avenue in 1970, but left abruptly in 1972 to join a monastery. His nephew, Rick Skinner, revived the brand in San Marcos in 1978.

Bill Martin, who worked at the Austin shop, took ownership in 1983 and has run it since.

“I just felt ... that was the next step for me to take—was ownership of the business,” Martin said.

What else?


Martin said when he bought the eatery, his father mentioned that a lot of businesses have a shelf life. He did not think that he’d still be open over four decades later.

“The fact that I'm still open 42 years later, that's most exciting,” Martin said.