In a week where Smashburger and Panda Express both opened at the East Bay Bridge Shopping Center, the bigger news was the revelation that E’VILLE IS GETTING AN IKE’S! Yes, Ike’s Lair has reportedly signed a lease to open a 2,042 square foot sandwich shop in the street level retail space of the Parc on Powell Apartment complex on the corner of Hollis and Powell (Thank god it wasn’t another Subway!)

Photo: KQED Bay Area Bites

Founded in SF in 2007 by Ike Shehadeh, their menu is now approaching 200 sandwich variations (and even some secret “off the menu” options) many prepared according to “Halal” standards (foods that are permissible for Muslims to eat or drink under Islamic Shariʻah) and all of which are served with Ike’s secret ‘Dirty Sauce’ and available on their famous Dutch Crunch Roll. The popular sandwich establishment is known for sandwiches named after local athletes and celebrities including “The MC Hammer” & “The Al Davis” and other colorful names like “The Womanizer” and “Your favorite Sesame Street Character” (perhaps an “E’ville Eye” Sandwich?). Their sandwiches have received accolades including the ESPN “Fanwich” award for the Best Sandwich in the U.S. and even featured on a Travel Channel episode of Man Vs. Food:

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Ike’s establishments are known for often having lines around the corner and have embraced a Smartphone app to help customers order in advance (available on iTunes and Android). Ike’s Castro location had become such a destination that S.F. neighbors and the city took measures to close the establishment after complaints of large crowds and other nuisances surfaced. Ike reduced store hours and ultimately moved to a larger location to accommodate them. Ike’s has opened additional locations throughout the Bay Area including San Jose and Walnut Creek and expanded as far as Arizona. Despite this recent expansion, they’ve still managed to maintain a community-oriented, family style atmosphere where employees often remember regular customers’ names and favorite sandwiches.

Main Street Properties, who previously helped broker deals with Guitar Center & Urban Outfitters when TMG Partners owned the Public Market was optimistic about Emeryville attracting higher quality food establishments. “Emeryville has a growing, eclectic, sophisticated & tech-savvy population with an increasingly discerning food palate and we’re working to accommodate them.” noted Retail Consultant Mike Semmelmeyer “They know good food!”. Semmelmeyer also alluded to wrapping up other deals at the property including the possibility of a Greek Cafe and promised to announce more information soon. Residential leasing at the new Parc on Powell apartment development (Formerly known as “Parkside”) has begun with 458 sq. ft. Studio leases beginning at $2,210/mo. with occupancy expected to begin in February. The Grand opening of Ike’s E’ville is anticipated by August of 2015.

Ike’s Menu (Note: Every location has a customized menu so E’ville’s may vary):