Popular Rockford sandwich shop to reopen after several years

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The Sandwich Factory is set to make its triumphant return to Rockford in the form of a food truck.

The family’s next generation is ready to unveil the new location after a brief time away.

“Everybody always talked about how good it was, and it’s just one of those divey local joints that people can’t get enough of,” said Sandwich Factory Owner Dane Lungo. “And I thought it was time to bring it back”

Lungo said his family grew up in his great grandma Evelyn Ballard’s restaurant, the Sandwich Factory. The beef joint opened in 1975 on the corner of Charles and 18th Streets, expanding to eight locations over the years.

Lungo said ever since it was sold, he knew he wanted to bring the shop back.

“We made some Facebook posts recently about bringing it back, and a lot of people are talking about their childhood and how they got to spend time with their parents there and their parents would take them there when they were kids,” said Lungo. “I think that’s just it, it’s just about, you know, making people happy, bringing families back together, having good local food.”

This iteration looks a little different since it is returning as a food truck. Original recipes and family are still at the center of the experience, said Lungo’s great aunt Jessie Dunlea, who sold her mother’s original location in 2019.

“Every one of us. All of my brothers – I don’t have children – So my brothers’ and sisters’ children all worked and then their children,” said Dunlea. “So it’s been in the family since 1975… I’m proud of him and I hope that he’s very successful. And we have had generational family customers. So I hope that he can touch base with that.”

Lungo said it is most important to honor the woman who made it all possible.

“It was awesome growing up around my grandma. If it was up to her, she would have ran that place out of food, just giving it away. Okay? She felt she fed the community,” said Lungo. “She loved the people. She loved what she did. She just had the biggest heart out of anybody I’ve ever met in my life. I just thought it was important [to] somehow have her involved in what we’re bringing back. We plan to treat everybody the same way she did.”

Lungo said they are aiming to begin serving food next weekend. They will be keeping as many traditions as possible, including all original recipes and staying open until 2 a.m. just like the old restaurant.

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