There’s a reason Sandgate locals are lining up at Frankie’s on 4th – the sandwich shop that’s bringing back the classics with a fresh, homemade touch.
Locally owned and family-run, Frankie’s brings back the simple pleasure of a great sandwich, from hand-cut schnitzels and housemade pastrami to bacon and egg rolls done right.
Co-owner Claire Hamlyn said they wanted to create a spot where the people of Sandgate and surrounds could get simple but genuinely great food.
“The idea behind Frankie’s was to bring a bit of nostalgia back, using fresh, homemade ingredients to make sandwiches that don’t try too hard,” she said. “These days, sandwiches can get overly complicated – we just wanted to do the classics well.
“We’re proud that nearly everything is made in-house – from the schnitzel to the pastrami – and when we don’t make it ourselves, we only choose high-quality ingredients, like our free-range ham and salami, both sliced fresh in-house.”
Frankie’s is run by the same family behind neighbouring bar Mr Henderson – Claire, her partner, her sister, and brother-in-law – but Claire said the real magic happened when they found long-time local chef Michael.
“Honestly, he’s the mastermind behind the sandwiches,” she said.
The Sandwiches: Classics and Twists
“Michael came on board and brought his own depth of experience and creativity, which naturally introduced those New York-style deli touches and the classics like the Reuban, Cubano, and Philly cheese steak – housemade pastrami, slow-braised brisket, pickles, bold sauces – all layered into a menu that still keeps things familiar and tasty.”
According to Claire, the chicken schnitzel is a proven favourite, easily outselling everything else.
“Like most things at Frankie’s, the schnitzels are made fresh each day – every one hand-cut, crumbed, and cooked in-house,” she said.
“The Frankie’s Cheese Steak is another standout – our take on a Philly classic, but with a twist. We use slow-braised beef – made in-house – with a hint of Mexican flavour, fried capsicum, and a cheesy queso sauce. It’s messy, but absolutely worth it – while the schnitzel is the favourite with regulars, this is the one people are starting to travel from outside the area to get.”
Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch – plus Friday nights – Frankie’s has quickly become a local favourite.
“Honestly, without our fiercely loyal customers, we wouldn’t be here — their support means everything to us, and we’re genuinely grateful for it,” Claire said. “We’re lucky to have people who not only come back week after week but also cheer us on, give us honest feedback, and bring their friends.”
Frankie’s on 4th
- Shop 4, 7 Fourth Avenue
- Sandgate
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