In 1762, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, invented the meal that changed dining forever. As the story goes, he was playing cards and did not want to leave the gaming table to eat. He asked for a serving of roast beef to be placed between two slices of bread so he could eat with his hands…
Situated just off Main Street in Bangor town centre, at 8 Central Avenue, the already well established Rueben’s Gourmet Sandwich Bar became Sunflower in 2006 and the new home of sandwiches in Bangor.
In 2006, the sandwich was reinvented, with the first-ever, Sunflower Sandwich was served on Monday 4th December, so the Sunflower story begins!
A true family business
Owned and managed by Barbara, Terry and David, the focus was then and remains today on building our business as a unique, independent brand, committed to the town we love and live in, serving the local community, and supporting local suppliers.
By 2009, the Sunflower Sandwich Bar brand was firmly established, rarely without a queue at peak times. Our extensive shop menu proves a hit with a diverse customer base, offering up lunch on the go, ideal for those working locally, hungry students and families alike.
With business booming, demand for our catering services and platters was now becoming a big part of what we did. To meet this new demand, we expanded our premises and rebranded as Sunflower Sandwich Company in 2010, increasing our catering and platters, ideal for all occasions and events.
Much has changed since bread was first buttered over 25 years ago when Rueben’s opened in Central Avenue. The decline of the “traditional” town centre is not unique to Bangor. Despite ever-growing competition with the arrival of many new, big multinational chains and economic challenges facing all small businesses, we attribute much of our success to our commitment to our local suppliers and the quality products they provide.
Most importantly, though, it’s all down to every one of you, our loyal customers, who support us every day. Thank you. You are the best!
