A battle of creativity and flavor unfolded at Torrington High School as Advanced Culinary students in the Foods II Pro Bake class competed in the first-ever Sandwich Showdown. With the energy of a reality cooking show and the spirit of community collaboration, the event challenged students to create original sandwich recipes, with the chance of earning a coveted spot on the menu at a local favorite—Jimmy’s Store.
The idea, inspired by teacher Jennifer Hafferkamp, aimed to simulate a real-world culinary experience. Owner Robby Persechino of Jimmy’s Store eagerly stepped in to support the challenge. He not only donated ingredients—including all the bread—but also served as a judge alongside THS Principal Brian Scott and Superintendent Michael Wilson.
“Robby was such a big help, so nice,” said Hafferkamp. “He really footed the bill for a lot of this and helped make it happen.”
Each student group designed a unique sandwich, drawing inspiration from flavors, textures, and bold creativity. One standout creation was the Mac Attack by students Zachary Bassit, Ronan Murphy, Abraham Radwan, and Jordan Paganini—a hearty grinder roll stuffed with beef, mac and cheese, bacon, and nacho cheese sauce.
“It was just out of the blue we came up with it,” Murphy said. He explained that the event included pre-planning the sandwich based on what is already on the menu at Jimmy’s and what the cost of the product would be. Then, the students had two days to create the sandwich – one class period for prep and then 20 minutes for assembly on the day of the challenge.
Murphy loved that the administration got in on the challenge. “It was good to have [them] with us in a situation where we weren’t in trouble,” he joked. “They were like actual people.”
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Hands-on learning happening with some real-world results as students are able to see their classwork on the menu at Jimmy’s Store.
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Senior Jorge Soto will be amongst those to have his sandwich featured at Jimmy’s
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Mr. Scott sinking his teeth into his job as a judge.
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Planning and pre-cooking was a key component for being successful in the challenge.
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Saranda Shehu, Karla Penaranda, and Satchi Segarra wait to have their Chipotle Crunch Chicken Delight judged.
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The MAC Attack getting ready for plating.
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Persechino and Hafferkamp were responsible for creating and executing this challenge.
Principal Scott was very impressed with the student’s creativity and planning. He praised Senior Carla Marte Ortiz, who presented her sandwich with advertising materials and a price explanation based on research into Jimmy’s Store and their current menu and clientele.
The sandwiches will roll out at Jimmy’s Store over several weeks, with each one featured for a full week. Customers can vote in-store for their favorite sandwich, and the one with the most votes could earn a permanent place on the Jimmy’s menu.
With high praise from students, staff, and judges alike, the Sandwich Showdown was more than just a culinary contest—it was a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the joy of food. And judging by the overwhelming enthusiasm, it likely won’t be the last.
“I think we’ll have to do it again next year,” said Hafferkamp. “Everyone had so much fun.”
See below for the full lineup of sandwich challengers and when they will be available for purchase at Jimmy’s Store on East Main Street in Torrington.
