Memphis, let’s talk about sandwiches.
Not the kind you grab mindlessly at a gas station, but the kind that make you pause mid-bite and appreciate the craftsmanship. The kind that carry a story in every layer, every sauce, every carefully placed topping. The kind that you’ll be able to find at Hard Times Deli, the city’s newest sandwich shop, now open at 655 Marshall Ave brought to life by local culinary heavyweights Harrison Downing, Cole Jeanes, and Schuyler O’Brien.
From Smash Burgers to Stacked Sandwiches
You might know this trio as the brains (and hands) behind Secret Smash Society, the pop-up burger phenomenon that had Memphians waiting in hours-long lines just to get a bite. Now, they’re bringing that same obsessive attention to detail to sandwiches.
“It’s all about the details,” says Downing. “How thick the tomato slice is, how the condiments are layered—every single thing matters.”
The Meaning Behind the Name
At first glance, “Hard Times” might sound like a bit of a downer for a restaurant name. They named the deli after the struggle they all faced working in the industry: the long hours, the burnout, the moments of doubt. They knew they had to make a change, not just for themselves but for their families.
“We realized we were giving everything to this industry and getting very little back,” says Jeanes. “We wanted to build something sustainable—not just financially, but for our lives.”
What’s on the Menu?
Their take on the chopped cheese, a New York bodega staple. Traditionally, it’s a simple combo of seasoned ground beef, onions, peppers, cheese, and condiments on a roll. But in the hands of the Hard Times crew, it becomes something next-level made with grass-fed beef from Home Place Pastures and layered with perfectly balanced flavors.
“We want to serve food people crave,” says O’Brien. “Things that are familiar but with just enough of a twist to make them unforgettable.”
Time to Eat
So, Memphis—are you ready for Hard Times?
The doors are officially open, and the sandwiches are waiting. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Secret Smash Society or just a lover of damn good food, this is your new go-to spot.
📍 Hard Times Deli
655 Marshall Ave.
Open now—come hungry.
