The independent business has gone from strength to strength
A popular New York-inspired sandwich shop with sites on Allerton Road and in Crosby has confirmed it will be launching a new location this month. Derek’s will launch its latest venue on Berry Street in Liverpool city centre on November 11.
The lunch spot was first opened by friends Ethan Woodroofe and Adam Taylor after the former visited the Big Apple and felt that “there was nowhere in Liverpool to get a real sandwich packed with proper ingredients like we’d had in New York”. Using what little savings the pair had, they launched their first shop in March 2021.
Ethan said: “The first day we naively predicted 30 customers, if we were lucky. Cut to 11am on opening day and over 100 turned up to support us and queued down the road whilst we tried to keep a brave face and act like we had it all under control.
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“The next day we got in at 5am and cut enough pickles and cold cuts to feed a village. Since that first day, [our customers have] supported us unconditionally, waited in the long queues, had the sad Derek’s moment when their favourite hoagie has sold out, been excited for new subs, worn our merch with pride and told friends about us.”
Popular Derek’s sandwiches include The Grinder (salami, prosciutto, chicken, emmental, tomato, tapenade, Grinder slaw and honey) and Gabagool Sandwich (prosciutto, cappicola, salami, mozzarella, tomato, basil, rocket, pesto and balsamic glaze).
Ethan added: “We’re an independent business that’s grown a team of 25 plus amazing and hard working people who are as passionate about Derek’s as we are. Here’s to three shops in three years!”
