New sandwich shop looks to create community connections through food

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) - Sourdough and Co. opened its doors on Monday in downtown Wausau, taking over the former Subway location with a new approach to sandwich making.

The restaurant features soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, salads and cookies. The business gets its name from what they call “bread with benefits,” made from a 175-year-old sourdough starter from California.

Local father-son partners Aaron and Kent Olson brought the franchise to Wausau.

“We definitely like the healthy alternatives. It’s no preservatives, so it’s a lot better for your body,” Aaron Olson said.

Kent Olson said the goal is to create community connections through food.

“We want you to have a unique, distinctive, and inviting place to come and have good food and some good friendship. That’s what our business has been built on for many, many years,” Kent Olson said.

The restaurant operates from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays. This marks the first Sourdough and Co. location in the Midwest.

The Olsons plan to open another location within the next 18 months.