Review of Ocean State Sandwich Company

While passing through Providence, RI, we decided to try Ocean State Sandwich Co. based on recommendations from findmeglutenfree.com. My wife has celiac disease, so we obviously take her food sources very seriously when we travel, and that is why we stopped here.

Once we arrived, we asked the person behind the counter what items can be prepared gluten free, and we were told that all the menu items can be adapted GF. During this conversation, what appeared to be the owner/manager was right behind the person at the counter that we were speaking to, and he said that the GF prep area was out of service due to some work being done in the kitchen. He then pointed to a counter, off to the side, that was covered in plastic. Before he could finish, a third voice from behind yet another counter stated that he could prepare a GF menu item at another location without a problem. As a result, my four family members ordered.

Once the food arrived, all four of us had different items (wraps, paninis, etc.), so there was no way to compare my wife’s sandwich to the others. I asked her to give me sample to see if it was GF, and it appeared to look like an UDI’s type roll similar to Jersey Mike’s. Also, since we discussed this with every single person behind the counter, we assumed that they got it right.

As my wife finished the first half of her sandwich, the owner/manager happened to walk by. I just asked him quickly to confirm that her sandwich was GF, and right away, based on his facial expression, we could tell that this was NOT the case. He also confirmed it verbally. He took her sandwich back and replaced it with “normal” GF bread.

In the end, the owner/manager credited back out our lunch (I still have the receipts, and this was confirmed on our credit card statement). He also apologized profusely stating that in the 6-7 years that they have been open, this is the first time that this has happened. This was at least a classy move.

I cannot tell you how disappointed that I was in this place for this screw-up. 3 people behind the counter were told of her request. I consider myself her “guardian” when she orders, and I will often confirm with the server to be ABSOULTEY CERTAIN that they heard what she said. Believe me, they knew! The place itself was very nice, and the staff was very friendly, but this does NOT in any way erase what happened. You SERIOUSLY put my wife’s health at risk. For the next few days, she was very worried about her health and how she was going to feel. GF means 100% GF – Nothing less. For future diners, if you order a GF item from this place and it does not look like traditional GF bread – PLEASE ask before eating it.

Celiac friendly?

No