What: The grinder
Where: Duke’s Mini Mart and Deli, 69900 Frank Sinatra Drive, Rancho Mirage
How much: $13.99
Contact: 760-770-3355; dukesminimart.com
Why: It’s a solid sandwich.
In September 2024, a fire shuttered Duke’s Mini Mart and Deli—causing no small amount of heartbreak for lovers of sandwiches in and around Rancho Mirage.
Duke’s had only been open for about three years at that point; it took over the space that previously housed Jensen’s Mini Mart, but the tweaks the new owners made revitalized the longtime lunch-takeout spot. (Yes, Duke’s is also a true mini-mart and corner liquor store, but most of the customers while I was there headed straight for the food counter at the rear of the store.)
After being closed for a little more than a year, Duke’s thankfully reopened in late September. I’d never been there, so I decided to check out the place for myself.
I visited just before noon on a weekday—and as I drove up, I saw at least a half-dozen pickups and trucks, some with workers in them, enjoying a sandwich on their lunch break. When I think of a mini mart with a deli inside, I imagine a fairly limited menu of sandwiches—but such is not the case at Duke’s. I counted more than two-dozen sandwich options on the menu, along with breakfast options and salads. There’s even a whole separate Mexican menu, with tacos, burritos and more.
I decided to keep it simple and order a classic grinder: roast beef, ham and salami, with a choice of cheese (I chose Swiss) and the usual toppings, on a freshly baked roll. The only thing this grinder lacked was oil and vinegar, but I didn’t miss them—because it was a damned good sandwich.
I am very glad Duke’s is back—and if you love sandwiches but have never checked the place out, now’s your chance.