The Sandwich Inn Story

Since 1963, Sandwich Inn has been serving up fresh, made-to-order meals with a side of Southern hospitality. Tucked away on NE 16th Ave and Main Street, we’re Gainesville’s oldest locally owned restaurant. If you’ve been around town long enough, chances are you’ve pulled through our double-sided drive-thru.

We’ve been here longer than just about anybody, and we’re still standing—same spot, same great food, same Southern hospitality.

From the very beginning, Sandwich Inn has been a place where folks gather—not to sit down at a table, but to grab something quick, fresh, and made with care. We keep things simple—hot, juicy burgers fresh off the grill, crispy golden fries, thick, frosty milkshakes made with real DeConna ice cream, sweet tea poured just right –that kind of thing.

When Glenn McMillan opened Sandwich Inn in 1963, Gainesville looked very different. Drive-thru restaurants were still a rare sight, and downtown was the beating heart of the city—a place where families shopped, dined, and strolled past tree-lined streets.

But change was coming fast. By the mid-1960s, I-75 and new shopping centers along 13th Street started pulling people westward, shifting Gainesville’s center of gravity. Downtown businesses that had thrived for decades suddenly found themselves up against national chains and the lure of suburban convenience.

And that westward expansion? It never stopped. First, it stretched toward Archer Road and the Oaks Mall. Then it pushed further—into Tioga, Jonesville, and beyond—with new neighborhoods and fast-food chains following close behind.

Through it all, Sandwich Inn stayed put. While the city stretched west, we remained right here—a familiar spot in Gainesville’s original heart, serving up fresh, affordable meals just like we always have.

In 1981, Paul Hildebrand took over, then, in 1996, Bob and Sherry Rella became just the third owners in the restaurant’s history.

And when Bob took over, he made one big change—he added breakfast to the menu. It was an instant hit, and to this day, our customers love that they can get a delicious breakfast sandwich made with real eggs, cracked to order—because fresh food just tastes better.

And unlike most places, our full menu is served all day—so whether you’re craving a bacon and egg sandwich in the afternoon or a burger first thing in the morning, we’ve got you covered.

While some things have evolved, our focus has always stayed the same: great food, fast service, and a place that feels like home.

For over 60 years, we’ve watched generations of customers grow up with us. We hear the stories all the time—how your parents used to bring you here as a kid, and now you’re pulling through with your own family. Some of our regulars stop by every day, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We’re proud to be a family-owned, local business, and we believe in supporting our community just like they’ve supported us for over six decades. Whether it’s using local suppliers, hiring from within the area, or just being a place where people can always count on a good meal at a fair price, we’re here for Gainesville—just like we’ve always been.

Through all the years and all the changes around town, one thing has stayed the same—Sandwich Inn is still here, serving up good food, fast service, and familiar faces. And don’t be surprised if we remember your order!