Great Sandwich Showdown is Up

Wondering what the next, new Saint Louis Bread Co. sandwich might ever be? It could be a personal creation by a Eureka or Wildwood resident, now that the annual Great Sandwich Showdown contest started today.

In the showdown, Bread Co. customers submit their own sandwich recipes for a chance to have it added to the Panera menu. However, it does have to be made from the ingredients already available behind the bakery-cafe counters.

Being deemed with the best sandwich name will earn someone $500.

Twenty winners will receive bread free for a year.

The grand prize winner's sandwich will be featured in St. Louis' 48 Bread Co. cafes, in addition to winning $2,500 and a certificate awarding them with bagels for a year.

Be prepared to explore and document the sandwich's preparation time, as well as the "story" behind why it's the best thing since, well, sliced bread!

The ingredients are available to peruse online. Stop by the Bread Co. in or for inspiration.

To enter the showdown, click here. Entrants must be 18 years or older, and are limited to one sandwich submission. The official rules are available online. The criteria for the first phase of the competition include:

• Taste (50 percent)
• Story Behind the Sandwich (10 percent)
• Creativity of Recipe (10 percent); and
• Ability to easily recreate the sandwich at Panera Bread  bakery-cafes (30 percent)

All entries must be received by Sept. 15.