The Story
Back in 2011, when Steve Davie and I were at Switchfly, our team frequented the sandwich shop next door. Munchboxx was run by Peter and Jenny, and we quickly became regulars. We showed up consistently enough to build trust and open up communication.
We asked questions, shared ideas, and listened. Here we were with a million ideas and a chef who knew how to cook. We were committed to making the ultimate sandwich.
One day we asked, "If we bring you a carton of eggs, can you put a fried egg on our sandwich?" Because we'd built that connection, the answer was yes.
It became our craft. We didn't just care how it was made; we cared how we made it. I remember building a sandwich with every meat option on it, just to understand the flavors. Then we started removing them one by one until there was no meat. Surprisingly, that's when we were satisfied.
Creamy avocado, Swiss cheese, eggs, and sauce — all sopped up by crunchy ciabatta bread, with just enough kick from the jalapeños. It stuck. It became our usual.
By then, it was no longer just for us. It was for our community. In jest, Steve named it the "Breakfast Basile" and it became a secret menu item, shared among coworkers and overheard by others in line.
Though it was a simple idea, it was intentional. It became a creation that outlived its moment and spread because it worked. We would get together with coworkers, friends, and family just to eat the sandwich. It was a great sandwich — and a way to practice commitment, care, connection, and craft.