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SunNov 3

National Sandwich Day – November 3, 2024

Celebrated annually on November 3, National Sandwich Day is one of our favorite holidays. The sandwich is believed to be the namesake of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, following the claim that he invented the first ever sandwich. As one of America’s most popular lunch items, this day gives us a great reason to enjoy a sandwich.

When is National Sandwich Day 2024?

The most versatile of all snacks gets its own day on National Sandwich Day on November 3.

History of National Sandwich Day

Though the combination of bread filled with cheese and meats has been enjoyed for years prior, the creation and naming of the sandwich has been attributed to the 4th Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu. In 1762 the earl, who was fond of gambling, asked his cook to prepare him a meal that wouldn’t require cutlery nor interfere with his 24 hour long gambling streak. The cook gave him sliced meat between two pieces of toast, which allowed the earl to have one hand free to continue his game. 

Of course, neither the earl nor the cook were the actual inventors of the sandwich. It is said that prior to this aforementioned event, Mantagu had visited the Eastern Mediterranean and saw sandwiches served by the Greeks and Turks with their appetizers, and asked his cook to copy their methods for its convenience. By the Revolutionary war a few years later, sandwiches were a well established English meal. However, they didn’t make their way to America until they were included in an American cookbook in 1815.

The New Orlean’s Po’ Boy came around during the Great Depression during a streetcar worker strike. Two brothers who were former streetcar workers owned a sandwich shop and promised to feed any striking worker for free. Whenever a hungry worker would walk over to the shop, the clerks would say “Here comes another po’ boy,” which soon became the name of the sandwich itself. In Omaha, Nebraska, the Reuben made its first appearance. It was named after one of the players of a weekly poker game that took place in a hotel. The hotel owner decided to feature the sandwich on the hotel’s dinner menu and later, it won a nationwide recipe contest.

National Sandwich Day timeline

1762
The Earl of Sandwich

John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, names the sandwich after his town in the county of Kent.

1929
Po' Boy For Poor Boys

The Po'boy is created by two brothers who own a sandwich shop in New Orleans to feed hungry workers on strike during the Great Depression.

1965
Eat Fresh

Subway is founded on August 28 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

2006
What is a Sandwich?

A court in Boston, Massachusetts rules that a sandwich includes at least two slices of bread, and does not include burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, as they are typically made with a single tortilla. 

By The Numbers

4th — The Earl of Sandwich, after whom the sandwich was named. 

1762 — the year when the word ‘sandwich’ was first used by Edward Gibbon. 

12 billion — the number of sandwiches consumed every year in the U.K.

5,440 pounds — the weight of the world’s largest sandwich. 

2008 — the year when Iran attempted to beat the record for the world’s biggest sandwich, but failed. 

£345 — the price of the most expensive sandwich ever, created by Chef Tom Bridge

1,500 — the number of PB&J sandwiches consumed by the average American before they graduate high school. 

607 — the record for the most sandwiches prepared simultaneously, achieved by the British Sandwich Association (U.K.)

$28,000 — the price of the most expensive sandwich ever sold, a grilled toast sandwich.

 

National Sandwich Day FAQs

Is National Sandwich Day today?

National Sandwich Day, a day which celebrates one of America’s most favorite lunch foods, occurs every year on November 3.

Is a burger a sandwich?

A hamburger is considered a sandwich as its contents are placed between two pieces of bread. 
 

Who invented the sandwich?

Though the sandwich has been around for years, it was officially named by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich.

National Sandwich Day Activities

  1. Make someone a sandwich

    Give a sandwich to a loved-one, friend, or a complete stranger you pass on the street. Spread the love, because it doesn’t have to be a cold-cut world out there.

  2. Make it your own way

    Pick one of the many sandwich recipes online, go to your local deli or grocery store to buy the ingredients, and handle business.

  3. Cruise over to your local deli

    You’ll be amazed at all the delis you’ll find nearby. Enjoy a finely crafted sandwich at your fingertips.

5 Facts About Sandwiches That Will Make You Grab One Right Now

  1. The anatomy of a sandwich

    According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must contain at least 35% cooked meat and no more than 50% bread.

  2. Elvis Presley was a fan

    Presley flew to Denver just to pick up his favorite sandwich; a Fool’s Gold Loaf.

  3. A sandwich is good sustenance

    In 1927, MGM’s lion was in a plane crash and survived on milk, water, and sandwiches.

  4. A fine delicacy

    Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were originally only for the upper class.

  5. In season

    McDonald’s restaurants on Canada’s east coast have a seasonal ‘McLobster’ sandwich.

Why We Love National Sandwich Day

  1. It’s a great to-go meal

    For those constantly on the go, a beautifully crafted sandwich is always the best choice. So feel free to scarf down a sambo while walking to pilates and sharing that same sambo on Tik-Tok.

  2. Familiarity

    When we go out to eat, nothing says continuity more than a sandwich. No matter where you go, if you order a ham and cheese, you know exactly what you're going to get.

  3. They're delicious

    Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of meats, cheese, Looking to have your mind blown? The possibilities are endless as you create your own combination of meats, cheese, vegetables, seasonings, and sauces to have your sandwich your way. Yes please, with some aioli spread on top., seasonings, sauces to have your sandwich your own way. Yes please, with some aioli spread on top.

National Sandwich Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 3Sunday
2025November 3Monday
2026November 3Tuesday
2027November 3Wednesday
2028November 3Friday

Let’s get social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#NationalSandwichDay #SandwichDay #SandwichRecipe #Sandwiches #SandwichLovers

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