Hungry I returns to Toledo with signature sandwiches
Written by Duane Ramsey | | news@toledofreepress.comThe Hungry I concept returned to the Toledo market when the new restaurant opened in Sylvania.
Partners Gus Nicolaidis and Moussa Salloukh based their latest venture on the original Nick’s Hungry I operated by Gus and his brother Nick on Monroe Street in the 1970s.
“We are offering much of the old menu from the original Hungry I, including the signature Reuben sandwich. We’re selling a ton of Reubens,” Salloukh said.
The 35-year old concept of the “House of Sandwiches and Home of the Reuben is a shrine to the past” but still attracts a brisk business for lunch and dinner today in the new location, Nicolaidis said.
Waitress Amy Estes serves up a Reuben to Gus Nicolaidis and Moussa Salloukh, owners of the Hungry I in Sylvania.
“The response has been overwhelming to the concept with our great location and space here,” Salloukh said about the site of the former Rouge Bistro.
The new Hungry I, which opened Dec.1, is located in Renaissance Place on Holland-Sylvania Road. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday.
“We get a lot of the old crowd from the original Hungry I and new customers from the Sylvania community,” Salloukh said.
“We’ve already added some sandwiches to the menu due to the demand from our customers,” he said.
The Hungry I is offering “Blast from the Past” weekly lunch specials, featuring some of the old sandwiches, such as the Jaws Fish Sandwich. The “Wow” Burgers include 10 ounces of ground beef in a variety of styles.
“We offer some new wraps and a grilled panini portabella sandwich in addition to the classic gyro, philly steak, and other sandwiches from the past,” Nicolaidis said.
The dinner menu includes beef, chicken and fish entrees with a vegetarian plate, ranging in price from $12 to $20 with a selection of appetizers and salads. A full-service bar offers beer, cocktails and wines by the bottle or glass.
The ageless question remains the same. What does the “I” stand for? Nicolaidis said it “simply stands for our core values that we refuse to compromise” that include “Independently owned and operated, Inspiring menu selections, Incredible food, Implausible service and Inviting atmosphere.”
“We bring together the best of the past in Toledo dining and serve it up with a swanky new twist,” said Nicolaidis, who grew up in Toledo and graduated from Jessup Scott High School.
Salloukh and Nicolaidis also own and operate the La Scola Italian Grill on Airport Highway in South Toledo.
