A new restaurant opening June 25 promises more than sandwiches—it’s serving up a story of grit, hope, and a decade-long dream come true on Fort Wayne’s northeast side.

It started with a $50 lawnmower and one teenager’s dream. Now, that dream is opening its doors to the community.

On Wednesday, June 25, Fort Wayne’s newest food spot, Mr. Sandwich, will host its soft launch at Riviera Plaza on St. Joe Center Road, welcoming residents for a first taste of its mix of classic comfort food and local flair.

The hours? Noon to 8 p.m. Sandwiches, soups, salads, and desserts will be ready and waiting.

But behind the deli counter is a much bigger story.

A Business 15 Years in the Making

George Bourounis never saw a straight path to restaurant ownership. He didn’t inherit a building, or bankroll it with tech money. He mowed lawns. Knocked doors. Saved every dollar.

“I started with a push mower and a beat-up minivan,” he said. “I just told myself: keep going. Someday, I’ll have my restaurant.”

He wasn’t bluffing.

Now, with a 10-year lease signed and thousands invested, Mr. Sandwich is finally ready to open its doors—and Bourounis says he’s not going anywhere.

“This is it,” he said. “It took 15 years, but it’s real now. This place is built with love.”

Food with a Fort Wayne Heart

So, what’s on the menu? Sandwiches, of course. But it’s not your average ham and Swiss setup.

Each item, Bourounis says, reflects something personal—whether it’s an old family recipe or a spin on a dish he served while catering years ago.

“We’re doing things people know and love,” he said, “but we’re doing them with our own twist. Our soups are made fresh. The bread’s real. And yeah, we’ve got some surprises.”

He wouldn’t give away too much before opening day. But he hinted at Greek-American influences, homemade sauces, and “a couple sandwiches that might raise an eyebrow.”

One sentence here.

Not Just Another Tenant

The spot Mr. Sandwich is opening in has seen its fair share of turnover.

From delis to cafes to short-lived takeout joints, the address has become a revolving door of “almosts.” Bourounis knows it. He’s not ignoring the history. He’s using it as motivation.

“People have asked me, why here?” he said. “And I tell them—because I believe in this spot. But more than that, I believe in Fort Wayne.”

He’s betting big. A decade-long lease, full kitchen overhaul, signage, furniture—all self-financed.

“No half-measures,” he said.

Why This Restaurant Might Just Stick

It’s not just the sandwiches. Or the grit. Bourounis believes Fort Wayne needs more spaces that feel personal. Not just places to eat, but places to belong.

And that’s what he’s trying to build.

A few things that stand out about Mr. Sandwich:

• Personal investment: Every dollar has come from years of savings and hard work.

• Long-term commitment: The 10-year lease shows he’s in it for the long haul.

• Community focus: Bourounis plans to rotate local dessert vendors and feature neighborhood specials.

He’s even floated the idea of “pay-it-forward” lunches and community shout-outs on their wall.

“We want to be more than a sandwich shop,” he said. “We want to be something people are proud to say is part of Fort Wayne.”

A Table for Locals, Not Trends

There’s no QR code menu. No wild fusion buzzwords. You’ll find paper menus, counter service, and a lot of smiles. It’s old-school in the best way.

“Trends are cool,” Bourounis said. “But they come and go. I’m building something that lasts.”

That includes pricing. He’s kept menu items affordable, knowing many families are still watching every dollar.

“You shouldn’t need $20 to eat a good lunch,” he said.

For many in the area, especially those working nearby or picking up kids after school, it’s exactly what’s been missing: a clean, casual place with good food and good people.

And for those who remember the building’s former lives, Bourounis hopes they give Mr. Sandwich a chance.

“This is not the same old story,” he said. “It’s a new chapter.”

What You Need to Know

Community Already Buzzing

Word about the soft opening is already making its way through local Facebook groups. Several residents say they plan to be there on day one.

“I’ve seen so many spots come and go in that plaza,” one resident commented. “Hoping this one sticks. Love a good sandwich.”

Another added: “The story behind this place? I’m already a fan. Can’t wait to try it.”

Bourounis isn’t promising perfection. But he’s promising effort, consistency, and a place that’s rooted right where it belongs.

“No one gave this to me,” he said. “I earned it. And now I want to give it back to the city that helped raise me.”