Around Town

Banh Mi Sandwich Eatery Opening in Former Ballston Subway Space Next Week

A Subway (801 N. Quincy Street) that closed last year is being replaced by Vietnamese sandwich shop Lee’s Sandwiches with a grand opening planned this coming Tuesday, Aug. 18.

The Ballston spot will be the second location in Virginia for Lee’s Sandwiches — a California-based franchise — with an existing location in Falls Church. The sandwich chain has a variety of sandwich options but specializes in banh mi, a popular Vietnamese sandwich with savory ingredients in a short, toasted baguette.

Lee’s is also noted for its Vietnamese iced coffee.

The grand opening of the restaurant had been scheduled for Aug. 4 but a sign outside the restaurant said the grand opening is now scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10 a.m. For the grand opening, any sandwich purchase will also come with a free cup of Lee’s coffee or a hot baguette.

Staff at another Lee’s Sandwiches said social distancing will be required for customers and staff inside the restaurant when it opens.

The Subway at 801 N. Quincy Street was a somewhat hidden spot for quick meals in Ballston, away from the lunchtime crowds along Wilson Blvd. Another Subway remains open near the Ballston Metro station.