Celebrated annually on November 3
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
John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, names the sandwich after his town in the county of Kent.
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.
Subway is founded on August 28 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Elvis Presley was a fan
Presley flew to Denver just to pick up his favorite sandwich; a Fool’s Gold Loaf.
A sandwich is good sustenance
In 1927, MGM’s lion was in a plane crash and survived on milk, water, and sandwiches.
A fine delicacy
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were originally only for the upper class.
In season
McDonald’s restaurants on Canada’s east coast have a seasonal ‘McLobster’ sandwich.
Why We Love National Sandwich Day
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.
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.
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
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 3 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | November 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | November 3 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | November 3 | Friday |
National Sandwich Day related holidays
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