Starting a business is tough — even more so in New York City. But Cambodian sandwich shop Num Pang has managed to thrive and expand beyond.
The restaurant, started in 2009 by college friends Ratha Chaupoly and Ben Daitz, makes expertly crafted and outrageously delicious banh-mi sandwiches. It has consistently topped several "best of" lists, including Zagat's 2017 NYC Fast-Casual Survey.
And while this may not be the typical fast-casual joint — modifications are not allowed here — the chain has taken off with a loyal clientele. A new location that opened at the Prudential Center in Boston earlier this year could prove fertile testing grounds for further expansion.
It's no secret I'm a huge fan of Num Pang, and the frequency of my lunches there would be embarrassing if it weren't so delicious. I decided to head over to one and show why this sandwich chain is drawing some major attention, and why it could become a force in fast-casual dining in cities nationwide.
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I headed to Num Pang's NoMad location at 1129 Broadway, which is dangerously close to our offices. Such proximity is a gift and a curse.
It's typically pretty busy, and I headed in in the prime lunchtime hours. The space is no-frills and small, but comfortable, with some wild graffiti art on some of the walls.
Despite the crowd, the line moved shockingly fast. It's a good thing I know the menu so well, or I would've been stumped when I got to the register. They offer a selection of regular sandwiches plus a bunch of seasonal specials, along with soups, salads, and both noodle and rice bowls.
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