Great American Hero sandwich shop closing after nearly 50 years
Owner Dominick Oliverie, 74, says “It’s time to look after family more than business” after serving Dallas sandwiches for 47 years.
DALLAS, Texas – Dominick Oliverie feels overwhelmed.
The 74-year-old took orders on Tuesday behind the counter of his beloved restaurant, the Great American Hero Sandwich Shop, on Lemmon Avenue.
It’s been around since 1974 and you can understand why when you hear Oliverie work his magic.
“Would you like hot or cold sandwiches?” He asks customers in a thick New Jersey accent.
“Oh, well, then you’re going to love number one. Try these and I might insist you try this sauce. She’s a little hot! But I think you will like it. ”
The drive-thru line is a little longer this week, orders are piling up a little faster and the restaurant’s supplies run out a little faster over the course of the days because word has got around: Oliverie is retiring and his shop is about to open Closing in October after 47 years.
“It is time to take care of the family more than the business,” Oliverie told the WFAA on Tuesday. “But I may have to give you an apron because the response was overwhelming!”
Anyone in Dallas who appreciates a good sandwich now makes sure they get their last bite before Oliverie rides off into the sunset.
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For decades he has served 10 different types of bread that are freshly baked every morning. His sandwich fillings are also bought fresh every day at the farmers’ markets in the area.
“We pride ourselves on using really good quality meats and cheeses,” said Oliverie. “I read about another sandwich shop recently that didn’t have tuna in their tuna sandwiches. We’re not like that.”
Oliverie politely referred to Subway and a popular article that revealed the composition of their tuna.
His jokingly funny manner and dedication to his sandwich craft are some of the reasons Oliverie stayed in Dallas for so long.
He opened a few other locations but closed them in the 80s. Also, he works in his shop on Lemmon almost seven days a week, overseeing everything and making sure his sandwiches are more than just a meal.
This is in part why he refused to expand or franchise his restaurant.
“We treat customers like guests and feed each sandwich like a gift,” said Oliverie.
It’s pretty hard to find such devotion these days, and Oliverie admits that it’s hard to hire people who want to follow her.
Some of the reasons Oliverie puts up his apron is because of a labor shortage that is affecting almost every industry right now.
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He worked hard to survive the pandemic but said it has become a struggle to hire people to work for him as business grows alongside vaccination rates.
“I let three or four of my employees go because they can make more money with unemployment,” said Oliverie.
“We are currently hiring. Make sure you tell everyone! ”He said with a laugh.
Oliverie is hoping to be ready by October 31st and has already received inquiries from wealthy and influential corners of the nation to buy his land and brand.
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At the moment he’s listening to people. But he’s more focused on the love and exuberant support his beloved regulars now give him – ultimately driven by the sadness of seeing a great restaurant go.
“I am very humble,” said Oliverie. “I have tears in my eyes so often. I mean, it’s hard to leave something you’ve been doing all your life. ”
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