The Starbucks of Sandwich Shops Returns to Flatiron District

'Wichcraft has returned to Flatiron. The upscale sandwich shop, started by Craft restaurant owner Tom Colicchio, opened an outpost earlier this week just west of Broadway on 20th Street. The store is the chain's eighth location in the city.

In 2003, 'wichcraft opened its first outlet on 19th Street between Park Avenue and Broadway just around the corner from Craft, but had to move when the building was sold. "We have been looking to come back to this area since we left," said Sisha Ortuzar, 'wichcraft's vice president of Concept and Development.

The chain has leased the whole building at 11 East 20th Street and plans on moving its corporate offices into the upper floors next week. This is not the end of 'wichcraft's expansion. In the coming months, look for stores in Rockefeller Center and at 47th Street and Lexington. The home to the $9.50 chicken salad sandwich also has locations in Las Vegas and San Francisco.

Are we witnessing the beginnings of the biggest takeover in an industry since Starbucks? Stay tuned.

- Mark Wellborn