A deli in Middle Village, Queens, is making waves with a new menu item inspired by an unlikely Mets mascot: Grimace, the purple McDonald’s character. Mario’s Meats and Gourmet Deli is serving up a special sandwich on Grimace bread, dyed blue in honor of the New York Mets.
The sandwich is a nod to Grimace’s surprising connection to the Mets, a relationship that has gained momentum since the character threw out the first pitch at a game earlier this year.
Why Is Grimace with the Mets?
Grimace’s connection to the Mets began in June 2024, when he threw out the first pitch at a game, which coincided with a sudden turnaround in the team’s performance. Since then, the purple mascot has become a symbol of good luck for the Mets, even as they fight to secure a spot in the World Series.
The Mets have embraced Grimace as an unofficial mascot, with fans rallying around him and even taking selfies in a specially designated Grimace seat at Citi Field.
What’s in the Grimace Sandwich?
The Grimace sandwich is served on Mets-blue bread, but its filling is a classic deli combination: layers of roast beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing. This $15 sandwich has become a hit among Mets fans who are eager to support their team in any way they can, even if that means eating bread inspired by a fast-food mascot.
Available exclusively at Mario’s Meats during Mets home playoff games, it’s a unique offering that combines New York’s love of both food and sports.
Will the Grimace Sandwich Stick Around?
Even after the Mets’ postseason, Mario’s Meats plans to keep the sandwich on the menu, although it will switch to regular Italian bread. However, the Mets-themed Grimace bread is likely to remain a fan favorite as long as the team’s association with Grimace continues to bring good luck.