Best Place for a Sandwich: Gene's Variety

This little convenience store and deli knows what it's doing. After 40-plus years on Water Street, Gene's Variety knows what Milford wants.

And in sandwiches, no one does it better, said voters in the inaugural . By 9 a.m. Friday, 384 voters cast their ballots, choosing among 39 businesses.

And the clear winner:, receiving 33 percent of the total vote.

Owner John LeBlanc was pleased to hear Gene's had won.
The business, begun in the mid-40s by his wife's late grandfather — Gene Guido — is still a family affair. LeBlanc works there. His cousin, Jeff Morin, works behind the deli counter, and his father-in-law, Russell Ridolfi, can be found in the store most days. (And is responsible for its tasty pies.)

Sandwiches weren't a big part of the store until about 10 years ago, said LeBlanc, but now they're a main part of the sales. "It's definitely become its own thing." In fact, Gene's has an annual competition to determine the favorite sammie among Milfordians: called March Manwich.

Originally, the shop had just six sandwiches. Now it has 32, with names including The Politician (full of balogna) and The Heights (linguica, ham and bacon). "Every year we come up with new ones."
An addition in 2011: The Bumstead, which has tuna saled, peppers, onions, pickles, a hard boiled egg and American cheese. LeBlanc's mother made them all through childhood, so he introduced them as a sandwich.

In March Manwich, just like the basketball series, different sandwiches compete for the title. Customers cast their ballots, voting for their favorite sandwich, and the sandwiches are paired off, until a winner is selected.

Last year, the Italian won, and its sign in the store carries the trophy sticker. The Manwich contest is taking place now, and ballots must be submitted by March 9.

In the Patch contest, customers were enthusiastic about Gene's.

Said one of the posters: "I absolutely LOVE the Mediterranean at Gene's variety!!! It is the best sub I have ever had!!! Also the people they work there are great!"

Among other businesses,received 81 votes, 21 percent of the total, and numerous comments from enthusiastic patrons.  received 78 votes, or 20 pecent of the votes.

In Holliston, won the "Best Of" for best sandwich.

In Hopkinton, won best place for a sandwich.

Next week, Patch is looking for the "Best Gym." The voting begins at 9 a.m. on Monday.