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Otto’s Sandwich Shop to open April 4

March 20, 2014

Opening his own sandwich shop was a bucket list item for Charlie Otto, an item he will officially cross off when Otto’s Sandwich Shop opens Friday, April 4.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Charlie said. “I’ve always wanted to try it and we’re blessed to be able to do it now.”

Otto’s is truly a family affair, owned by Charlie and his wife, Carrie Otto, with help from their three sons, C.J., Dillon and Trevor. Charlie has spent his career in the casino business, but he said he always has had a passion for making sandwiches.

“It’s something I’m doing mainly for my kids,” Charlie said. “I’m trying to get it started. It will be something for them, I hope.”

The main focus of Otto’s, 4 N. First St. in Rehoboth Beach, will be Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, cold cuts and paninis with specialty items like fried macaroni and cheese and what Charlie calls a twisted Cuban: breaded pork with jalapeno mustard relish on a ciabatta bun. He said Otto’s will also carry breakfast sandwiches, wraps and salads.

“I just want it simple,” Charlie said. “Simple stuff.”

“Simple, but big,” Carrie said. “You get a lot of bang for your buck here.”

Originally from Philadelphia, Charlie said he grew up around steak shops as a teenager. Charlie has spent 30 years working in the casino business, and his coworkers at his current job at Maryland Live in Baltimore serve as his sandwich test audience, he said.

Charlie said Otto’s subs will come in 8-inch or 12-inch sizes and he will pile a pound of meat onto each 12-inch sandwich. He said he wanted Otto’s to be an affordable option for families visiting Rehoboth.

“You can have lunch for two – whether it’s a cheesesteak or whatever – french fries and two bottle drinks for under $15. And you’re not going to be hungry when you’re done,” Charlie said.

To start, Otto’s will open Thursday through Sunday until Memorial Day, when the shop will go to a seven-day-a-week schedule. Because the restaurant is small – with space for 10 to 12  – Charlie said the main focus will be on takeout orders.

That includes service for beachgoers. He said Otto’s will allow customers to come in and place an order and put a deposit on a cooler. Once the food is made, Otto’s will deliver the cooler to the Boardwalk for the customer to pick up and use for the day.

For more information on Otto’s call 302-227-6100 or email OttosSandwichShop@gmail.com.

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