Already no stranger to pleasing palates with its extensive line of gourmet sandwiches and soups, the successful introduction of Erbert and Gerbert’s Bistro at multiple major universities across the country reiterates one important truth about the storybook-themed purveyor of sandwiches: Erbert and Gerbert’s has passed thousands of students’ test. Now, Erbert and Gerbert’s looks to continue its success at colleges across the country as it blends a fast-casual dining experience with quality food the likes of which is normally reserved for sit-down restaurants. 

That, says president and CEO Eric Wolfe, is what sets Erbert and Gerbert’s apart from other college bistros. “Erbert and Gerbert’s is about providing sandwiches which you could never find in another sub shop,” Wolfe says. “Our competition inspires us to differentiate ourselves from the pack, and our success with college students shows once again that we’re successfully doing that.”

Erbert and Gerbert’s may be a small fish in a large pond in the face of larger competitors, but it’s a popular one. With 78 million Americans—about 26 percent of the country’s population—currently enrolled at a college according to a recent government census report, there’s never been a better time to reach a diverse population that has come to develop a more discriminating taste for their sandwiches of choice. The population, Wolfe points out, includes many from far-flung areas of the country, who return to their hometowns to spread word about the shop known for sandwiches with unique names like Narmer, Bornk and Girf.     

That universal appeal of Erbert and Gerbert’s resonates with more than just college students. “I was so excited to see Erbert and Gerbert’s come to SMSU,” says Patricia Carmody, registrar at Southwest Minnesota State University. “When my family travels out of town for sporting activities or doctor’s appointments, our first choice is always Erbert and Gerbert’s.”