By Karen Scott, Publisher

The economics of producing fresh food for vending machines has become challenging over the years, but fresh sandwiches nevertheless remain popular with customers. Hence, companies such as Grand Strand Sandwich Co. in Long, S.C. that provide fresh sandwiches play an important role in the markets they serve.

The company, which sells products under its Lunch Box Sandwiches brand, has been in business for more than three decades, serving vending, micro markets, convenience stores and schools in 16 East Coast states.

Grand Strand Sandwich Co. picked up a lot of vending and micro market business when Sunburst Foods in Goldsboro, N.C. closed a few years ago, said Kirk McCumbee, the company’s general manager.

“We’re just getting our name out there in the vending market,” McCumbee said.