After working and operating The Sandwich Factory for over 45 years, co-owner Bob Loree is retiring.
      The Sandwich Factory opened its first location in Austintown in 1974, founded by Loree’s late father, Joe Loree Sr., and his wife, Rosemary, as a family-run business serving gigantic submarine sandwiches to the communities. A short time later, Loree opened his second location at 6128 Market St. (at Cadillac Dr.).
      Bob and his wife, Victoria, have been in charge of the Boardman Sandwich Factory since 1980. With the passing of Mr. Loree Sr, and one of the other co-owners, Timothy Loree, Bob feels it is now the right time to ‘hang up the apron.’
      “It has been difficult since my dad and brother passed away, and I want to be able to spend time some quality time with my family and enjoy retirement.” Bob said this week.
      “My dad, brother, and I maybe did not always see eye to eye but we knew to take care of family first and that’s what I would like to do now with mine.”
      Bob has had his all three of his children---Jason, Rick and Michelle work with he and his wife over nearly four decades, and observes retirement is bittersweet.
      “Growing up working with my dad at the Sandwich Factory has given me a lot of memories” Michelle Loree said, adding “and I will miss working there but it time to start is a new chapter in my life and branch out on our own, together as a family.”
      “Working in a family business, especially in the food industry is tough, you need to find good people to work with and have a constant presence,” said Victoria Loree, adding “We have learned a lot about the food industry and we are seeing trends pointing to people wanting a more healthy dinning options.”
      “My dad has taught me a lot over the years and I think coming up with a new concept will be a fun family project where we can start making our own legacy” stated Rick, whose artworks hung in the Boardman store.
      The Sandwich Factory will remain open and be operated by former Boardman police officer, Joe Loree Jr.
      “Joe Jr. wanted to take the reigns and try and do what our dad did and I wish him luck, he is going to need it! The industry is tough and he has a lot to learn, but I am sure he can figure it out!” Bob said noting “ I worked hard for my dad and family for my entire life and I am going to miss my routines. But now I can focus on what is really important to me, my wife and family.”
      The Sandwich Factory always featured high-quality, big sandwiches in many varieties, at a low price, all of which has yielded a high rate of return customers. The Boardman location also had an additional element---Bob Loree and his unique personality, that always made it a pleasure to stop and eat inside the local store.
      Chances are, we might see Bob and family again, perhaps operating their own style restaurant somewhere else in Boardman Township.
      PICTURED: BOB LOREE, AND HIS WIFE, Victoria, have retired from operating the Sandwich Factory at 6128 Market St. where they have greeted customers for more than 40 years.