Roly Poly has great offerings

7/15/2003

By SANDY OLSON, For The Globe Gazette

We have a spiffy new sandwich shop right here in River City. As long-time readers might remember, I rarely review a chain or franchise restaurant operation. It has to be something new, unusual or otherwise stand out to make up for the predictable sameness of mass operation stores. Roly Poly Sandwiches, on South Monroe Avenue, is one of those franchise eateries that definitely rated a visit.

This is the only such shop in Iowa; the franchise is moving in from the southern U.S. Co-owner Jeremy McMannes and his wife, Kari (who is store manager), discovered Roly Poly when they lived in Atlanta. They knew they wanted to return to their North Iowa home territory and felt this type of restaurant operation would be a success here. Jeremy partnered with his brother-in-law, Jeff Dixon, and the business opened May 29.

The name Roly Poly refers to the unique way these sandwiches are prepared. They are all rolled into a white or whole wheat tortilla. No thick slabs of bread here; the tortillas are thin and tender. The menu boasts 53 combinations plus you can "roll your own" by choosing the meat and other ingredients you prefer.

And when it comes to ingredients, you will find much more than the usual lettuce, tomato, cheese and sprouts. Items such as avocado, mushrooms, apple butter, corn bread stuffing, mango chutney and much, much more are melded into flavor combinations that will please just about anyone except the white bread and bologna crowd. You can even put together a peanut butter and jelly for the children. Sandwiches come in two sizes: a 6-inch "half" and a 12-inch "whole," so there are two prices for each variety.

Betty and I had lunch at Roly Poly one Tuesday and the place was jumpin'. According to Jeremy and Kari, North Iowa has embraced this new concept in sandwiches with enthusiasm. I asked for recommendations and was steered toward the basil cashew chicken. My flour tortilla was stuffed with white meat chicken salad, fresh basil mayo, cashews, avocado, lettuce, tomato, sprouts and a spicy Thai sauce. It was delicious! (half a sandwich $3.50) This place has taken sandwiches to a new level. Betty had eaten there before and knew her favorite was the Cobb salad Roly Poly. She had a whole wheat tortilla filled with sliced chicken breast, blue cheese dressing, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard dressing (half sandwich, $3.35).

Another interesting sandwich title is the Turkey Applejack (turkey breast, melted Jack cheese, apple butter, bacon, onion, mushrooms and basil mayo.) This is one of the grilled sandwiches that is served hot and sports a side of honey mustard dressing.

Then there is the Key West Cuban mix (roast pork, baked ham, turkey breast, melted Swiss and American cheeses, dill pickle slices, onion, lettuce and tomato. This one is also grilled.

We were told some of the house favorites were Porky's Nightmare (three styles of pork), Thai hot tuna (tuna salad and toppings, grilled) and Russian beef (roast beef with toppings and Russian dressing). There is a veggie and cheese section of the menu for non-meat eaters plus the individual selection of ingredients when you roll your own will meet anyone's dietary needs, including low-fat. A person would be hard pressed not to find something to love on Roly Poly's bill of fare.

Party platters, box lunches and carry outs are all available. There are ready-made sandwiches of the most popular types for those who need to rush in and out quickly. To accompany your sandwich, you may order chips, soup, cookies and beverages. Free delivery with a $20 order is available within Mason City.

Seating is available for about 30 inside Roly Poly. The dining room and kitchen are neat and clean; parking is right outside the door. The meats and veggies are cut fresh every morning. I was impressed with this little place.

Jeremy and Kari are Iowa friendly, their staff is efficient and the food was very tasty. You might even see their son, Austin, helping out the folks. Stop in and pick up a copy of their menu. It will take you a while to study all 53 varieties, and you won't want to waste time once you arrive. Getting right to the food is what's fun.

The Facts

Restaurant Name: Roly Poly Sandwiches

Address: 636 S. Monroe Ave., Mason City

Phone: (641) 421-1112

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday,

11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Owners: Jeremy McMannes; Jeff Dixon

Manager: Kari McMannes

Type of cuisine offered: Rolled sandwiches served in white or whole wheat flour tortillas

House specialties: Basil Cashew Chicken; Porky's Nightmare

Do you serve alcohol? No

Is there a separate non-smoking dining area? The entire restaurant is non-smoking

Are children's meals offered? Yes

Are special low-fat or low-calorie meals available? Yes

Is there a senior citizen discount? Yes, 10 percent

Do you accept credit cards? Yes

Is the building wheelchair accessible? Yes

Comments from the management: Catering and delivery are services we offer. We also offer box lunches and party platters for your larger events. You may call ahead or fax us for your order to be ready when you pick it up. Fax: (641) 421-1113. Our unique rolled sandwiches are made with the finest quality meats, cheeses, fresh vegetables and spreads, rolled tightly into a giant soft flour tortilla.