New Gourmet Sandwich Shop Coming to Downtown Stillwater
Downtown Stillwater is about to welcome a new restaurant concept, and the story behind it is impressive.
A young entrepreneur is preparing to open E’s Gourmet Sandwiches at 221 Myrtle Street, the former DJ’s Clam Shack location. The restaurant is expected to open in early May and aims to fill a gap in the Stillwater food scene.
A 20-Year-Old Launching His First Restaurant
The new sandwich shop is being launched by Ethan Sorensen, a 20-year-old entrepreneur with several years of restaurant experience.
Sorensen has worked in kitchens around the Twin Cities and learned operational insights from restaurant owners, including time spent working at Lake Elmo Inn. Those experiences helped shape his goal of opening a restaurant focused on high-quality sandwiches served quickly.
To fund the project, Sorensen used personal savings from his previous marketing job, support from family investors, and a U.S. Small Business Administration loan.
Opening a restaurant at 20 is rare, especially in a competitive hospitality market like the Twin Cities.
A Quick-Service Concept for Downtown Stillwater
Stillwater is known for its strong restaurant scene, especially along Main Street and near the St. Croix River. However, most dining options downtown are full-service restaurants.
Sorensen believes there is room for something different.
E’s Gourmet Sandwiches will focus on quick, elevated comfort food. The menu will feature sandwiches like Reubens, Cubans, club sandwiches, vegetarian options, and house-made sauces.
The space itself is about 1,500 square feet and will seat roughly 25 guests. Plans include a bar-style counter along the windows where guests can sit and watch the activity along Myrtle Street.
If approved by the city, Sorensen also hopes to add sidewalk seating, creating an easy spot for visitors to grab lunch before heading to the riverfront.
Historic Stillwater Location
The building at 221 Myrtle Street dates back to 1912, adding another historic element to downtown Stillwater’s restaurant scene.
Its location is ideal for visitors walking toward the St. Croix River or exploring downtown shops and attractions. The restaurant will sit just steps from the popular riverfront trail and park areas where visitors often picnic or relax.
Sorensen is also exploring a partnership with the neighboring bar No Neck Tony’s, potentially supplying burgers and fried chicken sandwiches to their menu.
Why New Restaurants Matter for Local Real Estate
New restaurants and small business openings are often an early sign of economic confidence in a community.
Places like Stillwater benefit from a steady flow of visitors from the Twin Cities metro, especially during summer tourism season. New concepts help keep downtown districts active and attractive for both residents and tourists.
That kind of momentum can also strengthen nearby property values and encourage additional investment.
If you enjoy following new restaurants, development news, and real estate trends across Stillwater, Woodbury, Afton, and the Twin Cities, keep following along for more local updates.
