Midwestern Chain Blanketing San Diego in Cheesesteaks and Hoagies

Lefty’s Famous Cheesesteaks, Hoagies & Grill, which got its start as a small sandwich shop in suburban Detroit but has since expanded throughout the metro Detroit area, is venturing outside of Michigan and will open one of its first out of state locations in the Gaslamp where it’s moving into the 2,300-square-foot former Burger Lounge space at 528 5th Avenue and should be up and running by mid-August.

Courtesy photo

Abbas, who with business partner Jabrey Eljahimi is overseeing the chain’s growth in Southern California, says that while San Diego is already saturated with tacos and burgers, cheesesteaks are still a relatively rare find. Abbas tells Eater that he and Eljahimi wanted to get involved with the brand as Lefty’s raises its profile and hopefully become a nationally-known chain.

Its cheesesteaks and hoagies are the main event, but Lefty’s expansive menu also includes fried chicken and corned beef sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, salads, and tons of sides.

Though the Gaslamp restaurant will be their flagship, Abbas says they’re aiming to open at least 25 locations in San Diego County alone and a whopping 100 branches throughout the SoCal region. They’re already in negotiations for their second and third stores, with plans to launch at least one or two more local outposts before the end of the year. Location Matters’ Hannah Sierpina and Mike Spilky represented Lefty’s in the Gaslamp lease and will be helping the partners secure other locations.

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