'I hope you’re ready for the best sandwich you’ve ever had in your life': North coast American-style diner reveals site for fifth location

A popular north coast sandwich shop has announced plans to open its fifth location in Northern Ireland, as it continues its rapid expansion following the success of outlets in Portstewart, Belfast, Coleraine and Castlerock.

Slabz, which opened its first shop in Portstewart in 2024, has quickly built a loyal following for its American deli-style sandwiches, with queues regularly forming outside its stores.

The brand expanded into Belfast last year before opening a third outlet in Coleraine earlier this year, followed by a pop-up shop in Castlerock.

Now, Slabz is set to open its latest location in Portrush, with work already underway at the former Ocean Deli site on Main Street.

Founder Genny Daws, who lives in Portstewart, revealed the news on social media after securing the keys to the new premises.

Genny opened the original Slabz after leaving her career as a piano teacher to pursue her long-held ambition of running her own sandwich shop.

Announcing the Portrush move on Monday, she explained: “Someone told us the Port needed better sandwiches. So today we got the key for our next location. Portrush, let’s be having ya.”

She added: “It’s officially a north coast takeover… Portrush, I hope you’re ready for the best sandwich you’ve ever had in your life.”

Speaking to the News Letter, Genny said the opportunity to take over the former Ocean Deli site came after the team was approached about the premises.

“We were approached as the old Ocean Deli was up for rent, so we went to have a look and were quick to see the potential,” she said.

“It’s lovely, well kitted out and seemed like the next move for Slabz. We’ve got the keys now and are working away to get it ready.

“We haven’t decided on the opening hours or days yet, but we’re hoping to be open by October.”

Customers can expect the same Slabz favourites found across its other locations, including a full range of gluten-free options, chopped salads, subs and a deli counter.

Genny said the Portrush shop will also feature the brand’s increasingly popular drinks menu.

“Diners can expect the same in Portrush as the rest — full gluten-free menu options, chopped salads, subs and deli counter, plus our new popular drinks menu, with delivery and collection also available,” she continued.

The new outlet is set to operate as a “proper Slabz diner”, with the team promising a strong American-inspired aesthetic to complement its New York deli-style menu.

Slabz has developed a distinctive identity by combining American food culture with plenty of Northern Irish humour. Its signature sandwiches, affectionately known as “slabbers”, are served on soft sub rolls or toasted ciabatta and named after American cities.

The menu includes favourites such as the Big Philly Slabber and the Boston Caesar Slabber, while Portrush customers will also be able to get their hands on loaded fries and other Slabz staples.

The brand has already been teasing the return of its much-loved Christmas sandwich, which is set to make another appearance soon.

Meanwhile, Slabz’s Castlerock pop-up will continue, although with reduced opening hours over the winter.

Genny added: “And don’t forget, we also do outside catering.”