Togo’s with Matty Smith

"Togo’s with Matty Smith" is Episode 36 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Togo’s with Matty Smith" was released on February 4. 2016.

## Synopsis

The ‘boys are joined by *Funny or Die* and Upright Citizens Brigade veteran Matty Smith, to discuss a franchise that left a mark on him in a big way: west coast sandwich chain Togo’s. Plus, a big game edition of Flavor of the Week.

## Nick's intro

Quick. What's the tenth largest city in the United States?

Did you guess San Jose, California?

It's true!

This so-called "capitol of Silicon Valley" is an economic engine of the Sunshine State [sic], and one of the most prosperous metropolises in America.

But back before the microchip launched a new type of gold rush in this former Spanish Colony town, a student at San Jose State University opened a sandwich shop just off campus. With a tiny dining room that only seated four, the eatery focused on take-out, its sign boasting "Sandwiches To Go" (the latter half of that phrase morphing into the restaurant's unique name). A second location spawned in 1974 and the chain grew within California during the '70s and '80s, culminating in a purchase by Dunkin' Donuts in 1997, which expanded operations across the American West.

In 1978, the company became the first to institute a 'mystery shopper' program, where an undercover operative would pose as a civilian to sample the restaurant's wares. Such innovation helped the chain boast 350 franchises at its peak, though that number contracted to 250 in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis.

Now under the corporate ownership of the private equity firm, Main Sail Partners, this West Coast sandwich shop continues to offer its menu of soups, salads, sammies, and wraps.

This week on *Doughboys*: Togo's.

## Fork rating

* 9" Avocado & Cheese
	+ Parmesan Bread
	+ Provolone
	+ Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pepperoncini, Onions, Olives
	+ Mayo, Mustard
* Chili
* Peanut Butter Cookie
* 6" Hot Pastrami [Natalie's order]
	+ Sourdough Bread
 Mike Mitchell
* 9" Spicy Boom Boom Pastrami
	+ White Bread
	+ Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Pickles
* Doritos Cool Ranch
 Matty Smith
* Broccoli Cheddar Hot Soup

## Flavor of the Week: Super Bowl Special Edition 🏈

In this segment, the Doughboys rank different varieties of one brand or type of food.

For this Super Bowl Special Edition, the Doughboys try four flavors of Tostitos Dips. (Technically, three dips and a salsa.)

 Mike Mitchell
 Matty Smith

Tostitos Queso Blanco DipTostitos Creamy Spinach DipTostitos Salsa Con QuesoTostitos Cantina Chipotle Salsa

## #hashtags

* #I'mAFuckingFreak
* #I'mAFuckingSuperbowlFreak

## The Feedbag

In the Bixby Knolls area of Long Beach (I'm sure Wiger is familiar) there's a combination Taco Bell and Arby's. I can't find any mention of it on the internet, but my girlfriend and I saw it with our own two eyes, and still talk about it to this day.

Could there be a stranger combination of fast-food joints? What two places would you guys like to see team up and what kind of crossbred items would they sell?

 Mike Mitchell
 Matty Smith

## Restaurants

 Togo's

 Marble Slab Creamery
 Cooperstown
 Pizzeria Bianco
 Pane Bianco

## Related Episodes

* 44. Burger Brawl: Minisode
* DD. Buff Fries and Tiny Tacos
* DD. The Snyder's Cut
* THON21. Doughathon 2021