Earl of Sandwich Downtown Disney: A brief history of moves and its new permanent home
Anaheim, Calif. — Earl of Sandwich’s return to a permanent home in the Downtown Disney District marks the end of a years-long journey that included closures, temporary relocations, changing redevelopment plans and plenty of uncertainty.
Earl of Sandwich originally opened in Downtown Disney in 2012 between the former AMC Theatres and ESPN Zone, near the Disneyland Hotel. The restaurant closed in 2018, reopened months later, then closed in 2022 as Disney began redeveloping that section of the shopping district.
The early stages
At the time, Disney announced ambitious redevelopment plans for the district, introducing new shopping, dining and entertainment experiences.
In February 2023, Earl of Sandwich returned in a temporary location inside the former La Brea Bakery building. The stopgap restaurant served the chain’s signature toasted sandwiches while Disney constructed its new permanent home in Downtown Disney. During the final phase of construction, Earl of Sandwich also operated a temporary kiosk, ensuring the restaurant remained available to guests until the new location opened.
The former La Brea Bakery building, which temporarily housed Earl of Sandwich during construction, has since been demolished to make way for Porto’s Bakery & Café, another major addition to Downtown Disney’s ongoing transformation.
With the opening of its new two-story restaurant, the popular sandwich shop has finally found a permanent home once again.
(Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)
A note about Disney Springs
While Disneyland’s new restaurant is the brand’s largest location to date, Walt Disney World is home to its roots. The original Earl of Sandwich opened at what is now Disney Springs on March 19, 2004, launching the restaurant chain. More than 22 years later, it remains one of the most popular quick-service dining locations at Disney Springs.
Earl of Sandwich’s permanent location
Now, that permanent home has officially opened. The new two-story restaurant is the largest Earl of Sandwich location to date and introduces two new concepts: The Carvery, featuring premium pastrami carved fresh throughout the day, and The Pub, serving draft beer, wine, frozen cocktails and seasonal beverages.
(Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)
The new Earl of Sandwich is located between Din Tai Fung and D-Lander, near the Downtown Disney LIVE! stage in the redeveloped section of Downtown Disney, near Disneyland Hotel.
Highlights of the new location include:
- The Carvery, where premium pastrami is carved fresh throughout the day in full view of guests.
- The Pub, offering draft beers, wines, frozen cocktails and seasonal beverages.
- Earl of Sandwich’s full menu of hot sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups and breakfast favorites.
- Expanded indoor and outdoor seating for guests visiting the Downtown Disney District.
- A two-story building that will also be home to Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, a new British-inspired gastropub opening on the second floor at a later date.
Courtesy of Disney
The building also represents another milestone in Downtown Disney’s ongoing transformation. The restaurant occupies the first floor, while Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby, a new British-inspired gastropub, will open on the second floor at a later date.
After several moves and years of temporary operations, Earl of Sandwich has once again found a permanent place in Downtown Disney.
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