Korea’s Isaac Toast Sandwich Shop–First U.S. Location Now Open in Westwood–First Impressions

Happened upon Isaac Toast on what turned out to be their actual opening day this morning in Westwood. They’re on tucked away on Weyburn Ave, round the corner from Coffee Bean on the way to Trader Joe’s. Not sure what kind of foot traffic they’ll get down that way, but glad to see an occupied storefront for now at least. As the very first U.S. outpost of a Korean street food turned national chain, they plugged in a fully formed brand and design aesthetic from the get go–clean lines, futuristic retro decor, sans serif fonts, pretty much pitched in the same zone as Asian counterparts Famima!! and Pinkberry.

I was their eighth customer ever, which entitled me to a free coupon for a soda or coffee (WITH purchase). Went for the $5.45 Isaac Sandwich, Bacon edition, on wheat toast (a bagel is a ten-cent upgrade). Ingredients listed are: Isaac Sauce–not sure, something sweet apparently–Bacon and “Veggie+”, which apparently includes tomatoes, shredded cabbage slaw and a bit of corn sprinkled in. Their literature takes pains to plug the nutritional aspects of the ingredients (“Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, A, K and a very good source of molybdenum, potassium and manganese”). Unlisted, however, in the ingredients were the fried egg and slice of cheddar, which apparently are standard on everything across the full menu. Their slogan is “Tasty, Toasty & Healthy”–two out of three ain’t bad. I’ll report back as I work my way through the menu, including some interesting looking juice, tea & coffee offerings.

Read about Isaac Toast in South Korea here on sixthseal.com.

A couple more lousy shots of the sandwich wrapping and exterior below.