Credit: DisneyThere is a unique brand of nostalgia that envelops a beloved restaurant, especially one patrons have relied on for many years, even as it has moved through various locations. The Earl of Sandwich at Downtown Disney embodies this sense of familiarity and comfort. For countless guests, it has been the go-to lunchtime destination, perfectly positioned to serve hungry shoppers between their retail explorations and pre-dinner plans.
Now, Earl of Sandwich has taken a significant step forward with the grand opening of its new, permanent location in the Downtown Disney District. This expansion marks an exciting milestone for the restaurant, which has endeared itself to visitors with its delicious offerings and welcoming atmosphere. The closure of its temporary pop-up spot, which had been operating in the interim, signifies a new chapter for this culinary favorite.
The relocation and upgrade reflect not just the restaurant’s evolution but also the broader transformation that Downtown Disney has experienced in recent months. With its enhanced space and renewed commitment to quality, Earl of Sandwich is set to continue its legacy as a dependable and cherished dining option for both loyal patrons and newcomers alike.
The New Earl of Sandwich Is Open
The new Earl of Sandwich location on the west side of Downtown Disney is officially open for business, with a grand opening celebration planned for Wednesday, July 15, 2026. In the meantime, guests are welcome to stop in and enjoy the menu ahead of that official debut.
This new version of Earl of Sandwich goes well beyond the brand’s usual offerings. The location includes The Carvery, a pastrami carving station guests can watch in action, along with The Pub, a dedicated space for beer, wine, frozen cocktails, and seasonal drinks. The building also houses Gordon Ramsay at The Carnaby on its second floor, making this new Earl of Sandwich part of a larger, more elevated dining destination rather than just a standalone quick-service stop.
That expanded scope reflects the bigger picture at Downtown Disney right now, which has been steadily reshaping its dining and shopping lineup as part of an ongoing refresh of the entire district.
What Happened to the Old Pop-Up Location
For guests wondering what happened to the satellite Earl of Sandwich location near the Star Wars Trading Post, that spot is now closed. A Location is Closed sign has gone up in front of it, and all seating in the area has been removed.
That pop-up was already operating as a temporary solution. The original Earl of Sandwich Tavern, a separate temporary setup, closed late last year, well before this latest pop-up’s closure.
A Closure That Came With Real Consequences Last Year
This is not the first time an Earl of Sandwich location at Downtown Disney has shut down, and the last closure carried significant weight beyond just a change in scenery for guests.
Back in June 2025, Disneyland Resort confirmed that its temporary Earl of Sandwich location, which had been operating out of the former La Brea Bakery space, would be permanently closing. That closure came with serious consequences for staff, with reports indicating 167 employees were expected to be laid off as part of the transition, with cutbacks stretching from July through August of that year.
At the time, that temporary location had been filling the gap while a new, permanent Earl of Sandwich location was under construction. La Brea Bakery had closed back in 2023, and Earl of Sandwich had moved into the space temporarily while Disney worked through plans to eventually replace the building entirely. Disney filed a permit to demolish the old La Brea Bakery building, which ultimately sealed the fate of that temporary location.
With this new permanent Earl of Sandwich now open, that lengthy chapter of temporary locations, construction delays, and shifting plans appears to have reached its conclusion, giving guests a long-term home for the brand instead of another short-term fix.
Part of a Bigger Wave of Change at Downtown Disney
Earl of Sandwich’s journey to a permanent home fits into a much larger pattern of change happening across Downtown Disney recently. The district has seen numerous locations close and reopen in new forms over the past several years, part of Disneyland Resort’s broader push to refresh its dining and shopping offerings as the resort prepares for major expansions elsewhere on property, including new additions tied to Avengers Campus and an upcoming Avatar-themed land.
For longtime visitors, that means familiar spots are not always staying exactly where guests remember them, but in Earl of Sandwich’s case, the result is a noticeably larger, more developed dining destination than before.
What This Means for Your Next Visit
For guests planning a trip to Downtown Disney, Earl of Sandwich is open now on the west side of the district, with its formal grand opening scheduled for July 15. Guests looking for the brand’s previous satellite location near the Star Wars Trading Post should know that spot is permanently closed, with its seating already removed.
Whether the draw is the classic sandwiches, the new pastrami carving station, or a stop at The Pub for a seasonal drink, Earl of Sandwich’s new home gives Downtown Disney one more reason for guests to make a stop before continuing on with their day.
