Another Day, Another Great Meal at Great Harvest Bread Company…

Over the past week, a couple of pals and myself have discovered “Bread Heaven.”

That’s what Great Harvest Bread Company is known as among its customers, not only in Charlottesville, but in its 200 independently franchised stores around the country. We are fortunate to have two of their stores here in Charlottesville, one in the very back of Virginia’s Law School building (not far from JPJ, the “Dish,” and many of the tailgating lots in those areas on football Saturdays.

The other is in McIntire Plaza, just across from Charlottesville Coffee. You know what, there ought to be one somewhere down around The Corner, too.

I call these two places Charlottesville’s hidden gems. I know, I know, they’re a sponsor, but we only accept sponsors of the highest quality, and believe me, this bread is out of this world.

Danny Wilmer, who recruited some of the top football talent to Virginia during the George Welsh era, joined me and my good friend Tom Payne for lunch at the McIntire location the other day, and we all left with a smile.

Owners Aileen and Michael Magnotto are two of the coolest people you’ll ever meet. They showed us the incredible detail that goes into making an array of great food, and believe me, it requires great dedication to the product.

Mike, a former Miami guy, who is now a true blue Virginia fan and supporter, made this guarantee on my sandwich:

“Jerry, if this isn’t the best chicken salad sandwich you’ve ever had, I’ll give you double your money back,” Mike said.

He knew it was no gamble.

Two bites in, I looked at him and said, keep your money. This is MY sandwich. Yes, it was that good.

Then he rolled out the piece de resistance: the cinnamon chip roll. The three of us gobbled it up and took some home. We’ve since been back to grab more of it. Mouth-watering, amazing stuff that my waistline didn’t need, but craved it nonetheless.

So, I have now tried the chicken salad sandwich, the cinnamon roll, the grilled cheese, and the turkey. Can’t go wrong with any of it. Trust me when I tell you, there’s no better bread on this planet.

I discovered Great Harvest via Eric Keshin, whom I met for lunch at the Law School on Wednesday. What a cool dude. Eric is the President & Chief Marketing Officer.

He and his two partners own the parent company that has franchise agreements with all 200 stores, and all three area Wahoos, Com School guys, who have weathered the worst and best of Virginia sports since the late 1970s. Eric has twin daughters on the Cavalier softball team.

Because the restaurant at the Law School is kind of hidden from the public, Eric is hoping to let Virginia fans know they’re there and offering incredible tailgate platters for your next Wahoo tailgate party.

Check out the link with this story and see the great deal. I guarantee you’ll be glad you did.