Pickerman's soup, sandwich shop opens second location

Such was the case when the last Sioux City Quiznos, at 3401 Singing Hills Blvd., closed in October.

Two months later, Pickerman’s South opened in its place.

Pickerman's opened its second location in Sioux City, at 3401 Singing Hills Blvd., the first week in December. The first location, at 1762 Hamilton Blvd., opened in 2003.

“We opened a second store because our customers asked for it and because we believe Sioux City is a good location to provide a quality product for a fair price,” owner Rick Motz said. “We currently employ approximately 20 people at our two locations.”

Motz opened the first location, at 1762 Hamilton Blvd. – now called Pickerman’s North -- in 2003.

The “fast-casual” style restaurant serves fresh salads, subs and wraps, but it’s the soup that takes top billing.

“We are especially known for our soups, serving seven different soups daily, and our subs with bread baked fresh daily in the store,” Motz said. “Our menu has remained virtually unchanged since day one.”

More than 25 soups are on the menu from classics such as broccoli cheddar, minestrone, chili and chicken noodle to lesser-known varieties like roasted garlic and tomato, chicken gumbo, vegetarian tomato basil and spring asparagus.

Prices start at $2.59 for a cup of soup to $4.59 for a bowl with a choice of bread. Quarts also are available to take home, starting at $6.49.

Sandwiches and salads complement the gourmet and premium soups.

The lunch and dinnertime eatery also offers a variety of sandwiches priced at $3.79 for a 3-inch sub and $4.79 for a 6-inch sub.

Served on bread baked fresh daily, toppings are broken down into three categories: classic Italian, traditional favorites and lighter fare.

The “Numero Uno” Italian sandwich has smoked ham, Genoa salami, prosciutto, provolone cheese, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce and Italian dressing. There are also gyros – lamb, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and sauce – and lower calorie sandwich options like a lean, all-white chicken breast topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Beside the regular menu, Pickerman's has offered some special sandwiches such as the chicken salad croissant and, more recently, a version of the Reuben, served on sub bread.

“We will continue to offer some other seasonal sandwiches such as egg salad during Lent and smoked pulled pork during the summer months,” Motz said.

Diners can always choose from an assortment of fresh salads.

“Our menu appeals to a broad spectrum of customers, ranging from the young teenager to the older adult,” Motz said. “In addition to our in-store dining at our two locations, Pickerman's delivers during the lunch hour to persons unable to leave the workplace or home and caters lunch and dinner to many Sioux City businesses and organizations.”

The lone Sioux City Quiznos closed at the end of October. The decision was prompted largely by increased competition from nearby sandwich shops, Bob Ellis, the former local franchise owner, said at the time.

"We've enjoyed being in the business and all the good customers we've had over the years," Ellis said. "People really like Quiznos. The problem is, there's just so many places to go, there's so many other options."

Ellis, who spent 43 years as a sales manager at a local new-car dealership before retiring and getting into the sandwich shop business, said his age also was a factor in the decision to close the restaurant.

Quiznos, which opened in 2004, was one of the first businesses to locate in the Singing Hills Center, a retail center at the intersection of Singing Hills Boulevard and Stadium Drive. A few years back, Ellis also closed a northside Quiznos, at 320 W. 25th St., which was in a retail center at the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard.

Quiznos served oven-baked subs along with a menu of salads, soups, drinks and desserts.