Local chain Split Bread opened its first shop this week. The latest addition to the Metreon’s renovated food court, and the first cashless eatery in the city.

The sandwich shop doesn’t accept cash, so customers must have a credit card or debit card to make any purchases. Certainly a bold move for a new business, but also a sign that a cashless society could soon be a reality.

Customers can place orders in person, or online for pickup at a specified time, or use a smart phone with QR codes to place food orders while sitting at the restaurant. These high tech features remind me of techie grilled cheese chain The Melt. Additional downtown locations are planned as well.

Owners Andrew Swallow and David Silverglide spent 2 years developing their recipes. Their seasonal menu features 8 sandwiches priced between $8.95 and $14.95, a handful of salads for $8.95 to $10.95, and $4 sides. And after a few months, new sandwiches and fresh salads will fill the menu. Beers and wine by the glass will be added soon.

Early critics rave about the sandwiches, in particular #21: the roasted leg of lamb, with salsa verde, lemon cucumber, pickled red onion, and watercress, on a ciabatta roll for $10.95, and the #41: heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, gremolata, black mission fig jam, and wild rocket, on focaccia bread for $8.95. Every sandwich includes a garnish of delicious housemade pickles. Open daily 11 am to 10 pm.

Photo Credit: Luis Chong

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