From Bank Job to Sandwich God: Mike DeSanti’s Laguna Dream
It started with a napkin scribble, a secret family recipe, and a longtime dream to bring killer sandwiches to Laguna Beach. On this week’s Best of Laguna Beach radio show at KXFM 104.7, I sat down with Board & Brew Co-Owner Mike DeSanti to talk turkey – literally –and how Laguna finally landed its own bite of the Board & Brew empire.
Show Notes:
Sandwiches First, Beer Second (But Still Important)
Board and Brew is not a bar with snacks – it’s a sandwich joint with serious food cred. The “secret sauce” is actually a generational “Nonna” dressing reworked for sandwich stardom. (I tried to pry it out of Mike, but he’s still mum on what that sauce is all about.)
Sandos, Beers & Bank Statements: How 2 Roomies Built This Sandwich Empire
How these under-30 roomies, Mike DeSanti and Bret Crutchfield, managed to get their first Board and Brew open (without a lot of credit and a lot of DIY).
Iconic Location, Community Vibes
He’s wanted this Laguna Beach space for years, and loved visiting this very same space as a kid. Bonus: Locals will recognize the mural by San Clemente surf artist Drew Brophy and feel the neighborhood love in every detail.
DIY Sandwich Heaven
16 classics on the menu (8 hot, 8 cold), but endless build-your-own combos. Plus: fresh-baked bread daily and no shortcuts – ever. (No commissaries, microwaves or frozen anything.) Plus the fastest sando slingers in the land (because waiting lines should only be short waits).
Board, Brew & Beyond
No basic beers allowed. These guys have their own honey blonde and IPA collabs, plus a rotating cast of indie brews. Eight taps, small-batch only.
Built for Locals, Not Just Tourists
A visitor to Laguna Beach since he was a kid, Mike and his team are aiming for institution status by sponsoring art events and beach cleanups, and building a long-term home for Laguna residents. (Be sure to also get to know Joey Clark who, as a new business partner, will be manning much of the front in Laguna Beac
