Skip to main content

Tsunami Sandwich Company | Our Story

Savor Seaside’s Gourmet Sandwich Wave

Tsunami Sandwich Company opened in February, 2010 with the goal of providing the North Oregon Coast with wholesome food made with quality ingredients. We offer a wide variety to satisfy every appetite. From our delicious premium sandwiches featuring Thumann’s Deli meats and Tillamook cheeses to our 16 flavors of Tillamook Ice Cream, to our homemade chili and Ivar’s Clam Chowder, only the highest quality ingredients are used.
The Humble Beginnings of Tsunami Sandwich Company

The Humble Beginnings of Tsunami Sandwich Company

Tsunami Sandwich Company began in early 2010—not as a grand plan, but as a lifeline. In the wake of the Great Recession, David Posalski lost his corporate job. With opportunities scarce and uncertainty everywhere, he and his wife, Britnie, made a bold decision: they used the last of their savings to open a small sandwich shop in February 2010. They had no roadmap. No restaurant background. And no safety net. David had delivered pizzas as a side hustle. Britnie had spent summers serving tables in Montana. That was the extent of their experience. As they still laugh about today: "We opened our first day using samples from our suppliers… we didn’t even know how to use the meat slicer."
Built Bite by Bite: The Rise of Tsunami Sandwich Company

Built Bite by Bite: The Rise of Tsunami Sandwich Company

With the help of their brother-in-law, Donnie Jones—who brought much-needed kitchen experience—they began to find their footing. Day by day, sandwich by sandwich, they learned the business from the ground up. Those early years weren’t easy. David spent countless hours standing outside the shop, handing menus to anyone who would take one. They poured everything they had into the business—sacrificing comfort, selling off what they could, and even losing their home along the way. But they never quit. Slowly, the community responded. Word spread. A loyal following began to grow. And along the way, one sandwich rose above the rest. The Tsunami Pastrami. Stacked high, bold in flavor, and built with the same grit that started it all—it quickly became what we’re known for. It’s more than just our most popular sandwich… it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come.
From Rock Bottom to a Local Favorite!

From Rock Bottom to a Local Favorite!

By 2014, that perseverance led to their next venture: The Crabby Oyster. Today, Tsunami Sandwich Company is more than just a sandwich shop. It’s a story of resilience, grit, and taking a chance when everything is on the line. And every sandwich we serve carries that story with it. Come taste what started it all. Stop by, order online, or try the sandwich that built our name—the Tsunami Pastrami.
Order with App Order online