adding a new flavor to its palette? Although I'm not sure if people will get that it's intentionally spelled as a paint palette instead of a food palate. You could just italicize that wordThe River Arts District is adding a new flavor to its palette.trying to think of something a little more fun here Black Cat Sandwich Company is the latest endeavor from Suzy Phillips, owner of Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Simple Cafe & Juice Bar, and business partner Dave Campbell. The 20-25 seat restaurant will debut this summerthis should be removed if you keep the first sentence as-is, since "this summer" doesn't need to be repeated at 375 Depot St., the former site of the Magnetic Theatre.

Inspired by the cuisine of Phillips' travels and a lifelong love for mortadella, a sandwich shop has always been a goaljust to avoid repeating "dream". So when local artist Jaime Byrd approached Phillips at the beginning of this year about opening a concept to accompany the building's art studios, it was time to make the dream a reality. "My manager Dave Campbell and I looked at each other and were like, 'let's do that sandwich shop that we've been wanting to do for years,'" Phillips shared.

Besides being a spot for a quick bite, Black Cat Sandwich Company will serve as a place for patrons of the art studio to take a breakI got a little tripped up by that wording with some food + bev before making a purchase.

With equipment installed, the restaurant will soon start decorating. | Photo via Suzy Phillips

On the menu

You won't find ordinary subs here. Taking a cue from simple Italian sandwiches, the menu will feature naturally cured meats like mortadella and speck, house-roasted beef and porchetta, and fresh cheeses like stracciatella and sharp provolone. Sammies will be topped with local produce and simple spreads on breads like house-baked fluffy focaccia, soft puccia, and thin + crispy schiacciata.if you're not sure people will know what these are, I'd say "on breads like house-baked..." In addition to sandwiches, a few soup and salad options will be available.

For the folks with a sweet tooth, Black Cat Sandwich Co. will offer tiramisu and panna cotta. A small menu of espresso and coffee drinks will be available with beans from Volcancito Coffee, as well as a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, and mocktails.

Eager to get a taste? Phillips hopes to open Black Cat Sandwich Company in late September to early October. Stay tuned for more delicious updates.