'It means the world' Sunderland sandwich bar in running to be named UK's best
The shop is competing with businesses from across the UK.
A Sunderland sandwich shop which recently expanded its popular offering is in line to be named the UK’s best.
Crave has been nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 in a competition which gives people the chance to win a share of £2,000 in Town & City Gift Cards, such as the Sunderland Gift Card.
Sunderland wife and husband team Elisa Ricci and Ben Harman opened the original Crave in Mackie’s Corner in March 2025 - and it’s gone on to be a firm city centre favourite.
So much so, that last month they expanded the brand to meet demand with a sister site opening in Sea Road, Fulwell.
Backed by Sunderland BIDs, people can nominate their favourite local business in the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 competition, giving the name of the Sunderland business they think deserves to win and a reason.
Shops, restaurants, salons, hotels, attractions and services are all eligible to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026.
The UK’s Favourite Local Business which receives the most nominations in the competition will win a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Sunderland Gift Card, with one person who nominated the winner receiving a £1,000 Town & City Gift Card.
Trish Bradford is one of the people who nominated Crave and said: “When you walk into Crave, it’s a joy because of the love they have for food, which is all made on site with care. They have a smile for everyone, and no request is too complicated.
“They know their customers and have a laugh with everyone, it really makes your day. It gives Crave such a lovely vibe when you walk in. I think they deserve to be the UK’s Favourite Local Business because of the graft they put in and because of the love and joy they have for food. They also support other local independents, which all helps to bring life back to our high streets.”
Ben, co-owner of Crave, said: “I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 16 and when I met my wife Elisa, her dad owned Italian restaurant San Marino. When he retired, we took the business over. The pandemic really tested us and so in 2023 we decided to retrain in completely new industries, myself as a mortgage advisor and Elisa in the beauty industry.
“We did it for 9 months but it wasn’t for us. Our previous landlord had a shop in the city’s historic Mackies Corner, the home of independent businesses, and was looking for a sandwich shop to move in. We took the plunge, opening Crave in 2025.
“The concept for Crave came from the restaurant. I used to make focaccia at the restaurant and we’d always say it would make a great sandwich. We spent time getting the bread right and started small with just 4 sandwiches. Now, we have our Crave combos, different breads and fresh salad boxes too. We recently added a steak and blue cheese sandwich in a nod to Greggs’ Steak and Stilton bake. I think it’s good to be a bit playful with the menu with interesting specials.
“Being nominated as the UK’s Favourite Local Business 2026 in our second year means the world. We focus on great sandwiches and offering a positive experience to everyone that walks through the door, which I think comes from our many years of customer service experience in the hospitality industry. Tastes have changed, especially here in Sunderland, and while fast food has its place, people are really looking for a unique experience and something different, like what we offer at Crave.”
Other Sunderland businesses nominated in the UK’s Favourite Local Business competition so far include Slice, Angelo’s Ristorante, No.32, The Sweet Petite, Pop Recs, Mexico 70, Ashbrooke Home and Blacks Corner
Crave is one of over 200 businesses which accept the Sunderland Gift Card from Sunderland BIDs.
Enter the UK’s Favourite Local Business competition free at: www.lovelocalwin.co.ukuntil the 30th November 2026.