How far can sandwiches be elevated as a food?

While the bologna sandwich on plain white bread has its own merits, a well-made Cubano on quality bread is a game-changer.

Pop-Up Tucson chef Riley Chandler is teaming up with Arizona Theatre Company and world-class baker Don Guerra from Barrio Bread for a pop-up sandwich shop, Barrio Sandwiches, at the Temple of Music and Art at 330 S. Scott Ave.

“It’s a grab-and-go sandwich concept with a line-up-and-pay counter typical of a sandwich joint,” Chandler said.

While Guerra’s bread is a part of various Tucson menus, this is his first direct collaboration concept with a chef.

“It’s always been my interest to collaborate with a chef,” Guerra said. “Just talking to Riley, I could see a natural fit. We’re both inspired by pushing our craft and learning everyday.”

The pop-up sandwich shop will feature bread baked daily from Guerra, such as his pan birote, demi baguette, and focaccia. Limited indoor and outdoor seating will be available, but guests will also be able to have a drink.

“One not-so-typical thing is we will have beer and wine,” Chandler said. “We want you to be able to sit down and enjoy a glass of wine with your sandwich or have some wine with a chef’s board and salad.”

The simple menu highlights traditional and straightforward sandwiches with a southwestern touch from the bread or the ingredients themselves, Chandler said. Additionally, the menu features a weekly vegetarian special sandwich on focaccia as a lighter sandwich option for people who want something different and people who don’t eat meat but don’t want a salad.

Barrio Sandwiches Menu

• Chef’s Board – hard salami, Genoa salami, fresh mozzarella, pecorino, grilled asparagus, roasted pepper, pistachios, olives, Barrio Bread focaccia ($15)
• SW Cubano – Manzanita Sol carnitas, Black Forest ham, house-made bread & butter pickles, lettuce, red onion, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayo, stone-ground mustard on Barrio Bread pan rustico ($12, half-sandwich $8)
• Italiano – salami, capicola, mortadella, prosciutto, provolone, sweet peppers, house-made vinaigrette, tomato, lettuce, red onion, stone-ground mustard, peppercorn aioli on Barrio Bread pan birote roll ($13, half-sandwich $8)
• Weekly Focaccia Sandwich – chef’s choice of sandwich ingredients on baker’s choice of Barrio Bread focaccia ($8)
• The Roman – romaine lettuce, Kalamata olives, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Barrio Bread focaccia croutons, pepperoncini, roasted garlic + anchovy vinaigrette or lemon + garlic citronette ($10)
• Barrio Brownie – fresh-baked gooey brownie made with Barrio Bread flour + chocolate ($5)

The public soft opening from October 21 – November 11 will offer sandwiches during ATC’s production of The River Bride.

Since Barrio Sandwiches is only a pop-up concept, they’re only scheduled for the next ATC production. “The concept is extremely low risk,” Guerra said.

If Barrio Sandwiches is a hit, we’ll hopefully see more culinary magic between the two.

Keep up with Riley Chandler on Instagram.

[Editor’s note 10/10/2017: added Arizona Theatre Company, clarified seating]