Cold Shoulder Gourmet: Where to Find Chilled Sandwiches and Salads in South Carolina

What Cold Shoulder Gourmet serves and where to find it

Cold Shoulder Gourmet is a sandwich and salad shop with locations across South Carolina that specializes in chilled sandwiches, wraps, and composed salads made to order. The menu centers on fresh ingredients—deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, and house-made dressings—assembled cold rather than heated. You order at the counter, specify your protein and toppings, and walk out with a sandwich built to your preferences.

The chain operates in multiple South Carolina cities including Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia, with each location maintaining the same core menu while sometimes adding regional specials. Hours vary by location, but most open for lunch and stay open through dinner service. The atmosphere is casual and quick—designed for people grabbing lunch during a workday or picking up dinner without a long wait.

Key Takeaways

• Cold Shoulder Gourmet builds sandwiches and salads to order with fresh deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables you choose.
• Multiple South Carolina locations exist in Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia, each with slightly different hours and occasional local specials.
• The menu focuses on cold preparations—no hot presses or toasted bread—so sandwiches stay fresh and customizable.
• Pricing is moderate for made-to-order sandwiches, typically in the range of other local sandwich shops rather than fast-casual chains.

Signature sandwiches and how to customize them

Cold Shoulder Gourmet offers both signature combinations and a build-your-own option. Signature sandwiches come with set proteins and toppings but can be modified—you can remove ingredients, swap proteins, or add extras for an upcharge. Common signatures include roast beef and cheddar combinations, turkey with cranberry and brie, and Italian cold cuts with house vinaigrette.

The build-your-own route lets you start with bread (usually white, wheat, or a wrap), choose your protein from roast beef, turkey, ham, chicken salad, or tuna salad, then layer in vegetables, cheeses, and spreads. Most locations charge by the protein rather than by the number of toppings, so loading up on lettuce, tomato, and cucumber costs the same as a minimal sandwich. House-made dressings—often including flavored mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, and specialty spreads—are where much of the flavor comes from.

Salad options and composed bowls

Beyond sandwiches, Cold Shoulder Gourmet builds salads with the same made-to-order approach. You choose a base (mixed greens, spinach, or romaine), add a protein from the same roster as the sandwiches, then layer in vegetables and toppings. Dressing comes on the side so it does not wilt the greens before you eat.

Some locations offer composed salads—pre-designed combinations like a Cobb-style salad with bacon, egg, and blue cheese, or a Mediterranean bowl with chickpeas and feta. These come fully assembled but can still be modified. Salads are priced similarly to sandwiches, making them a comparable option if you want something lighter or prefer greens to bread.

Dietary accommodations and ingredient transparency

Because Cold Shoulder Gourmet builds everything to order, you can see what goes into your sandwich or salad and request modifications for dietary needs. Staff can typically accommodate vegetarian requests by substituting cheese or plant-based proteins, and they can build salads without certain ingredients if you have allergies or preferences.

The shop does not advertise vegan or gluten-free as standard offerings, but the made-to-order model means you can ask. Bring up allergies or restrictions when you order so staff knows to handle your sandwich separately or use clean utensils. If you have severe allergies, call ahead to confirm what the location can safely prepare.

Pricing and what to expect when you order

Sandwiches at Cold Shoulder Gourmet typically cost between $9 and $14 depending on the protein and whether you add extras. Salads fall in a similar range. Combo meals that bundle a sandwich, drink, and chips or a side are usually available at a modest discount. Prices vary slightly by location and may shift seasonally.

When you arrive, you will order at the counter and pay before your sandwich is made. Most locations have a short wait—usually under 10 minutes even during lunch rush—because the sandwiches are assembled quickly once you order. Some locations offer online ordering for pickup, which you can confirm by calling ahead or checking their website.

Finding your nearest location and hours

Cold Shoulder Gourmet locations are concentrated in the Lowcountry and Upstate regions of South Carolina. Charleston has multiple locations, as does Greenville, and there are outposts in Columbia and surrounding towns. Each location operates independently, so hours and specials can differ.

The best way to find current hours and confirm a location is still open is to call ahead or search for "Cold Shoulder Gourmet" plus your city name online. Many locations are in shopping centers or downtown areas near offices and retail, so they tend to close by early evening. Some may have reduced weekend hours or be closed on Sundays, so verify before making a trip.

How Cold Shoulder Gourmet fits into South Carolina's sandwich culture

South Carolina's sandwich tradition runs deep—from Lowcountry shrimp and grits sandwiches to barbecue pulled pork on a bun. Cold Shoulder Gourmet sits in the made-to-order deli tradition, similar to regional chains and independent sandwich shops across the state. The emphasis on fresh ingredients and customization reflects how many South Carolinians prefer to eat: simple, fresh, and built the way they want it.

The shop competes with national chains like Subway and Firehouse Subs but maintains a local feel through house-made dressings and attention to ingredient quality. If you are looking for a cold sandwich that is more thoughtfully assembled than a chain but faster than a sit-down restaurant, Cold Shoulder Gourmet fills that gap in most South Carolina cities where it operates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Cold Shoulder Gourmet online or for delivery?

Some locations offer online ordering for pickup, but delivery through third-party apps is not consistently available. Call your nearest location to ask whether they take online orders or use delivery services. Pickup is usually faster and more reliable than waiting for delivery.

Do they have options for people who do not eat meat?

Yes. You can build a sandwich or salad with cheese, hummus, or other spreads as your base, and load it with vegetables. Some locations may have a vegetarian protein option like chickpea salad or falafel, but this varies. Call ahead if you want to confirm what vegetarian proteins are available that day.

What bread options are available?

Most Cold Shoulder Gourmet locations offer white bread, wheat bread, and wraps. Some may have additional options like ciabatta or focaccia, but this depends on the location. Ask what is available when you order, or call ahead if you have a strong preference.

Are there gluten-free options?

Gluten-free bread is not a standard offering at most locations, but some may have it available or be able to build you a salad instead. Call your nearest location to ask whether they stock gluten-free bread or can safely prepare a meal for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

What time should I go to avoid a long wait?

Lunch rush typically runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. If you go before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m., you will likely have a shorter wait. Dinner is usually slower than lunch, so late afternoon or early evening is often a good time to order.