In early 2022, “Sandwich Madness” enlisted Au Bon Pain’s 3,000-plus employees across the nation to submit a sandwich recipe and menu description. The contest was a hit with employees and fun team-building experience, with many of the brand’s 119 US-based franchise- and corporate-owned locations choosing to submit a recipe.

Contestants competed in three brackets, with two winners emerging in the championship round. A panel of expert judges named the winning sandwiches from 45 contest entries.

The Ranchero Wrap and The Cleveland Fireside Egg Sandwich won the first “Sandwich Madness” contest earlier this year, and both are being featured on the bakery-café chain’s menu now through January 12, 2023.

The Ranchero Wrap is a hot wrap featuring BBQ marinated chicken, a three-cheese blend, red bell peppers, tomatoes, red onions, arugula, ranch dressing and chipotle mayo on a whole wheat tortilla. It was co-created by Genisis Santos and Laura Lopez from Au Bon Pain’s bakery café at Bellevue Hospital at 462 First Avenue in New York City.

The Cleveland Fireside Egg Sandwich is a breakfast sandwich featuring eggs, hardwood smoked bacon, swiss cheese, tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, spinach and chipotle mayo on ciabatta. It was co-created by Michael Thomas and Michellica Burson from Au Bon Pain’s bakery café at 600 Superior Avenue in Cleveland.

In addition to having their sandwiches featured as an upcoming LTO, each winner received a cash prize and a special trophy featuring their recipes.