Dudley's Deli & Bakery Opens at Santee Town Center

The much-anticipated Dudley's Deli & Bakery in Santee opened Wednesday to a lunch crowd stoked to see the open sign lit up and try a sandwich made with their fresh baked bread. 

The well known and popular Santa Ysabel bakery has featured its delicious fruit bars and many breads at grocery stores around San Diego, but this is the first Dudley's dedicated store to pop up, apart from the main location.

The store is officially open, but hours of operation have yet to be announced and a few items, such as pies and certain breads, won't be available until this weekend.

The store is focused on serving sandwiches, offering 21 premium choices and "a make your own" option for $7.95 (same price for a half sandwich and soup or salad). A rack full of a variety of the most popular Dudley's breads is set up alongside a full display of their much-loved fruit bars. Dudley's Julian Apple Pies will be available soon, and custom orders for bread and pies will be an option eventually, according to store manager Evan Brunye.

I tried the California Roast Beef, which came highly recommended. The roast beef was piled high and juicy, bacon was crispy, fresh avocado, and garlic/cilantro mayo on jalepeño Cheddar bread served hot from a panini press. It was the best tasting deli sandwich I ever recall eating in Santee, and I look forward to lunch there again soon. Another standout premium sandwich is the Strawberry Turkey. See the photos for a look at the full menu.

Brunye said there were more people coming in the door than he'd expected, since they hadn't publicized their soft opening. Most of the first customers had been anticipating the opening and just happened to drive by and see the open sign on.

The new storefront is located at 205 Town Center Pkwy, near Chuze Fitness at Town Center, and joins the the new Coffee Corner and K-39 Taco Shop as food options in that shopping center.

Read a QA with the manager of the new Dudley's

COMMENT: What's your favorite Dudley's bread or sandwich? Like the new deli?