Michael and Bryan Voltaggio to Open Fast-Casual Sandwich Spot in Santa Monica

The brothers Voltaggio, Michael and Bryan, who both competed on Top Chef (with Michael coming out the winner of the season) are opening a new fast-casual sandwich restaurant by mid-October in Santa Monica. Toddrickallen first unearthed the news buried deep in some Santa Monica city report, but Eater has learned exclusively about what they’ll be serving.

Named STRFSH, short for starfish, the affordable restaurant goes into The Gallery, a food court where a Subway and McDonald’s used to reside. Instead, it’s the home of Dialogue, the high-end tasting menu restaurant from former Alinea chef Dave Beran, and soon-to-be home for STRFSH.

The made-to-order sandwich spot features grilled fish, plus a combination of condiments, rubs, and other toppings served in a toasted potato roll. What kinds of rubs/condiments, one might ask? Well, yuzu kosho mayo and jerk rub, of course. These brothers don’t compete on Top Chef by just throwing Old Bay seasoning on stuff. They’ll also serve “boardwalk-style” fries, something commonly found in the East Coast.

Perhaps the most interesting little takeaway from the press release: the Voltaggio brothers are partnering with global talent agency UTA on the project. Perhaps STRFSH will be home to the next big reality TV show on Bravo.

• Inside ink.well, Michael Voltaggio’s New West Hollywood Restaurant [ELA]