Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Customer service is number one priority at Schlotzsky’s
Schlotzsky’s offers a variety of fresh baked breads, sliced meats, and much more
More than 40 years ago, Don and Dolores Dissman opened the first Schlotzsky’s in Austin, Texas. The restaurant was home to a single, oneof-a-kind sandwich — The Original, as it came to be known. It was a sandwich composed of a unique combination of premium meats, cheeses, and marinated black olives served on freshly baked sourdough bread. The first sandwich was based on the Muffuletta sandwich, which the Dissmans discovered in an Italian grocery store in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The couple introduced their own version of the muffuletta to Austin, setting up shop in a modest little space at 1301 South Congress.
The menu has expanded through the years. In 1991, the deli concept was introduced and the store name changed to Schlotzsky’s Deli. While The Original still remains the most famous of Schlotzsky’s sandwiches, the restaurant has grown into an international franchise restaurant chain with locations in 35 states and three foreign countries with an evolved menu that now includes fresh baked bread, delicious hot sandwiches, Artisan flatbreads, specialty pizzas, toasted wraps, freshly tossed salads, and gourmet soups.
The three Northwest Arkansas Schlotzsky restaurants (located in Fayetteville, Springdale, and Rogers) are locally owned and operated by J.J. Ramsey and his wife, Hortencia. Ramsey’s parents were franchisees, making him a part of the Schlotzsky family since a young age. He first started working as a busboy at the age of 14 in his hometown of Tulsa, Okla.
The Ramseys currently live in Bentonville with their three children and enjoy living in Northwest Arkansas and being the franchisees to the three Schlotzsky’s located here. “We just love Northwest Arkansas,” said J.J. Ramsey, who, along with his wife, Hortencia, purchased the three restaurants in 2015. “The beauty of this place, as well as the people, the school system, the sports. It’s just a great place to live and raise a family.”
The Ramsey’s own the Schlotzsky’s at 2548 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville, at 1919 W. Sunset Ave. in Springdale, and at 2709 W. Walnut St. in Rogers. All three locations also include Cinnabon.
J.J. Ramsey said the simple philosophy for success, which he learned from his parents, is stellar customer service.
“It’s all about customer service, which sounds cliche’, but it’s the truth,” he said. “I try to train my team to go over and beyond meeting the customers’ needs. It’s all about the attitude, and being urgent and consistent every day.
“I learned from my parents to have a passion for serving people and be willing to go that extra mile for the customer. It’s hard to find great service now days, but we really do strive to make the customers first. We work for the customers, because they are the ones that pay us the money.”
Schlotzsky’s prides itself on the freshness of their ingredients. Nothing is frozen. Every bread that is served is baked from water and flour in-house every single day. Schlotzsky’s also slices their own meats everyday, and the produce is all cut fresh.
Beginning July 1, you are welcomed to celebrate the Fourth of July at Schlotzsky’s with a great meal discount. Any small classic sandwich can be purchased (along with a bag of chips and small fountain drink) for only $5. The meal can be upgraded to a medium for only $1 more. This offer excludes specialty and brisket sandwiches and runs through July 4.
Take a break from shooting off fireworks and stop by Schlotzsky’s to take advantage of this great deal, or try one of the many other options their menu has to offer.
In addition to the Fourth of July sale, Schlotzsky’s recently introduced three new brisket sandwiches — the Traditional Brisket (Hickorysmoked brisket, barbecue sauce, cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, dill slices, red onions and signature sauce on sourdough); the Tex-Mex Brisket (Hickory-smoked brisket, queso fresco, cheddar, salsa verde, roasted red peppers, pickled jalapeños, lettuce, chipotle mayo, and signature sauce on a jalapeño cheese bun); and the Cuban Brisket (Hickory-smoked brisket, ham barbecue sauce, swiss, dijon mustard, dill slices, and signature sauce on a jalapeño cheese bun). All three sandwiches are available for a limited time and are only $6.99 for a small, or $7.99 for a medium.
Schlotzsky’s is dedicated to serving customers great-tasting food, freshly prepared from the finest ingredients and at reasonable prices. They strive to give quick friendly service in a pleasant and inviting atmosphere.
Schlotzsky’s also promotes its growing national catering program which offers a rewards program within it. It offers points, which can accumulate and translate into gift cards.
The three local stores now offer delivery for individuals with Chef Shuttle for just $4.95 per delivery.
All three locations are open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., all week.
For more information, go toschlotzskys.com.