Sandy & Sons: A lunch shop that delivers good eats

If you want homemade food without the hassle of making it yourself, try Sandy & Sons in East Syracuse. The shop prides itself on home-style cooking with daily specials like goulash and soups, in addition to its regular menu offerings.

Sandy Paninsky and her son Jon opened the store in September 2008 after they learned the space on West Manlius Street became available. This is their first venture as small business owners. Paninsky was an employee of Wegmans on James Street after working 17 years in the kitchen at Fremont Lanes before it closed in 2007. The East Syracuse landmark, owned by Jay Piraino, was condemned a year later.

“We knew a lot of neighborhood people,” Sandy Paninsky said. “When [Fremont Lanes] went down, people would come to me at Wegmans and say we miss your fish.”

But residents need miss it no more. Paninsky assures customers that their Friday fish special uses the same recipe and comes from the same supplier.

“A lot of people come in from Fremont,” she said, including her former boss. “They say it’s so nice to have the fish again.”

Other menu selections include cold and hot sandwiches, salads and finger foods. Veganaise, vegan cheese and vegan butter are also available upon request.

“I try to make everything as fresh and healthy as much as I can,” Paninsky said. “That was our goal, to try to make good, homemade food. [Customers] don’t have time to make it homemade anymore so at least they’ll get a good lunch.”

Sandy & Sons Take-out/Delivery

207 W. Manlius St., E. Syracuse

Hours: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Phone: 299-5355