A Breakfast Made for Staying or Going
Sometimes simpler is better. Case in point – the “Breakfast in a Sack” sandwich from Russ-Doe’s Sandwich Shop, located in Jacksonville’s Eastside, also known as Out East. The shop is a Jacksonville institution, having operated in the shadow of the city’s football stadiums for more than 40 years (it turns 41 this October).
Like its Breakfast in a Sack sandwich, Russ-Doe’s menu is also pretty simple, offering breakfast and lunch staples plus beverages, sides and desserts. Patrons, many of whom are longtime regulars, enter, order at the counter and either take their items to go or enjoy them at the few tables on the shop’s homey front porch. Regulars know the shop only takes cash, though there is an ATM onsite.
Russell Smith Jr., who currently runs Russ-Doe’s, says the shop was named after his father Russell and his mother Delores, who ran it before Russell Jr. and his wife took over. According to Smith, Russ-Doe’s has been serving the Breakfast in a Sack for almost as long as the shop has been around. “It was inspired by a similar creation at another sandwich shop,” says Smith.
The Breakfast in a Sack is a variant of Jacksonville's iconic rider sandwiches. It consists of a warm pita pocket, which Smith has been getting from the Pita Bakery (a local wholesale bakery) for roughly 30 years. The pita is spread with butter or mayo, and filled with two scrambled eggs, a slice of American cheese and a choice of meat, such as bacon or sausage. According to Smith, the sandwich, which is only served until 10:30 am, “is extremely popular because of its quality ingredients, a fair price and the fact that it’s easy to eat while driving.”
Customer Catalina Selvagn echoes Smith’s statement. “It’s the ideal simple, inexpensive grab-and-go breakfast,” she says. “And since it’s in a pita pocket, I don’t have to worry about the egg falling out the bottom and into my lap.”
Because simplicity is the key to this sandwich, Smith does not offer many variations to it, aside from serving it on any of his other breads and substituting Swiss or shredded cheese for the American cheese. However, customers can customize it a bit more by adding condiments like salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. At $5.25, the Breakfast in a Sack is an inexpensive yet satisfying meal and one of Jacksonville’s hidden culinary treasures.
Russ-Doe’s is located at 1745 East Church Street, and is open Monday through Friday, from 6am-2.30pm. To order in advance, call 904-353-9065.
