Sandwich shop planned for former Loft 3H space

By the time the St. Patrick’s Day Parade rolls in mid-March, a new sandwich shop hopes to be open for business along the parade route, in the former retail space of Loft 3H in the Perkins Road overpass area. “I like that area; I think it has a good vibe,” says Josh Priola, who, along with his wife Melissa Priola, is planning to bring Street Breads to the Capital Region. The Priolas moved to Baton Rouge recently to expand with a second store, and possibly a third, after opening the original Street Breads two years ago in Lake Charles. “We’re not a bakery; we’re a sandwich shop,” says Priola, noting that there will be 15 sandwiches on the menu, as well as quesadillas, salads and desserts.

Street Breads will also have a limited wine list and selection of locally made beers. While the sandwiches are “culinary-minded,” Priola says, the linchpin of Street Breads’ menu is the artisan breads it uses from around the country, shipped partially baked and devoid of preservatives that often come in bread. “Really what I’m trying to source is: What is the best bread available on the market?” Priola says. While the retail space will require slight renovations, Priola says the bulk of the work in the building will require installing new kitchen equipment. Priola says he plans to open March 16, the day the 27th annual “Wearin’ of the Green” St. Patrick’s Day parade rolls. “We’ve got a catering rig. I’m hoping at the very least we can set it up out there,” Priola says. —Adam Pearson