Classic turkey club sandwich and fries at Midi
Three years ago, Little Tart Bakeshop founder Sarah O’Brien and business partners Amy Gregg, Emily Stephens, Miranda Bell, and Sofia Garcia were eating their way around Paris when inspiration hit.
“We went into this shop staffed with gorgeous women pulling crispy focaccia from the ovens and making wonderful, deceptively simple sandwiches. We joked that we should open our own ‘hot girl sandwich shop’ someday, and voila!” O’Brien explains.
Midi, an all-day café O’Brien describes as “Little Tart’s sexy European cousin,” will debut in Candler Park November 12, replacing Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party and Kelly’s Closet, which relocated down the block.
“I’ve always thought that strip on McClendon Avenue was magical. There’s a lot of good vibes and energy in those women-owned spaces that had been there for a long time,” she says. “I have a clear recipe of being embedded in neighborhoods near a park and schools where kids will be walking by—places that feel walkable, and where we can hopefully become a hub in the community.”
By joining the two storefronts, O’Brien can create an all-day destination for food and drinks. On one side, a full Little Tart Bakeshop, opening November 11, will offer Counter Culture coffee and espresso drinks, fresh-baked breads, pastries, and desserts. On the other, Midi will serve sandwiches, salads, and sides made in house.
Nicoise salad
Courtesy of Midi
Garcia will lead the kitchen, making egg salad, tuna salad, roasted chicken, meatball, ham and cheese, and turkey club sandwiches. The menu will also include a vegan zucchini fritter, a vegetarian smashed chickpea sandwich, and grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly for children. Unlike the massive sandwiches at Bona Fide Deluxe and Motorboat, Midi’s will be “right sized for a filling and generous meal you can finish,” O’Brien says.
Each sandwich will come with a house-brined pickle. Sides inspired by the small plates at Little Tart After Dark will be available separately, including Caesar and Niçoise salads, a grain bowl, carrot dip with crackers, big beans, and fries.
Since O’Brien also owns soft-serve ice cream shop Big Softie, Midi will feature a soft-serve window. Four flavors will be offered, plus hard shell and toppings.
Beverages include a gin slushie, negroni, sazerac, old fashioned and espresso “tartini.” Four wines will be sold by the glass, with a selection of bottles available for retail purchase. Midi will also stock crayons, notebooks, butter and dumpling squishies, canned tuna belly, and Graza olive oil.
Prosciutto and mozzerella sandwich
Courtesy of Midi
The Little Tart side of the space will echo the Grant Park and Summerhill locations with dark green, brass, and marble. Midi will have its own look, pairing dusty pink and maroon tones with plaster walls and plenty of natural light.
“This space is my pride and joy. I designed it myself,” O’Brien says. “I furnished it with textured pieces I’d love to have in my home.”
Midi will offer counter service, opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. on weekends, and closing at 9 p.m.
“I hope people feel the tangible sense of welcome they’ve come to expect from Little Tart,” she says.
Midi is located at 1643 Mclendon Ave., Atlanta. midi-atl.com.
Little Tart pastries
Courtesy of Little Tart Bakeshop
Dining and Cooking