Schlotzsky’s, the Austin- founded sandwich chain, is celebrating 45 years of serving customers oven-baked sandwiches. Starting as a single sandwich shop on South Congress Avenue, Schlotzsky’s has become a staple of dinning in the Austin community and a presence around the world.
“When Schlotzsky’s started in Austin in 1971, it was just one store selling one sandwich, the Schlotzsky,” said Cary Albert, who has been a franchisee for 25 years and operates over 20 Schlotzsky’s stores across Texas. “Now, that sandwich is called The Original, and the store went from one to numerous menu items as they expanded in the Austin area.”
According to Schlotzsky’s, company founders Don and Dolores Dissman opened their second restaurant in Dobie Mall at The University of Texas. In 1977, franchises began popping up across the southeastern United States, and by 1981, Schlotzsky’s had opened its 100th location.
“When we got involved with the company in the early ‘90s, Schlotzsky’s had just got into their deli concept, selling salads, a wider variety of sandwiches and pizzas,” Albert said.
