FAYETTEVILLE — Secret Sandwich Society, a sandwich shop in Fayetteville, is a unique culinary and aesthetic experience. Its location, tucked away down a flight of rock stairs, makes patrons feel as if they, too, have been inducted into a secret society of great lunches.

Owners David Bailey and Tashia Hippler said that it was the restaurant’s space that helped them devise the name, aesthetic and concept behind the new business.

Bailey explained that while attending a culinary workshop, “We met a guy who told us about a place in Manhattan called Please Don’t Tell. There is a resurgence of speakeasy-style clubs. The idea of a secret organization just kind of stuck with us.”

Hippler pointed out that the duo tossed around the idea of a high society sandwich, or an adult-style sandwich, which led to the overall vision of Secret Sandwich Society.

When walking into the restaurant, patrons experience a mixture of “high Euro, old school” and chic ultra modern. Bailey confirmed that they both enjoy a more modern, urban design scheme.

“We really took out most of what was in the space. We have created a metal and wood mixture inside and on the deck. We both wanted stainless steel and white tile for the clean, European deli look. The aesthetic really is an old European and modern mix. This was a labor of love and we really tried to pay careful attention to detail.”

Hippler agrees. “It is fun to have that surprise factor. We want people walk in and say that they would not expect a sandwich shop to have this much attention to detail — even in the bathrooms.”

She went on to say that this type of yin and yang aesthetic compound does not end with the restaurant’s appearance. The restaurant is both upscale and casual, and while a sandwich shop may seem like a simple venture, the flavors are surprising and complex.

“We want people to come in and be surprised at how advanced the flavor combinations are. It is not just a turkey and cheese, it is a turkey with homemade peach jam, a blue cheese spread and crispy fried onions on local bread,” she expressed.

Bailey said the business roasts much of its own meats and tries to buy locally as much as possible.

“We pay tremendous attention to the detail of the food. On every sandwich the lettuce is dressed in olive oil; nothing is dry. Each bite of each sandwich is like a harmony of flavors.”

Hippler, who has been a chef for many years and came to the area as a summer rafting guide, noted that the breads are purchased from Jeff’s Bread in Renick and that all the spreads and sauces are made in-house daily along with all their sides — cous cous, chips, pickles, cole slaw and mac-n-cheese. Hippler also makes all the desserts and they offer a wide variety of carefully selected beers and wines.

One thing that Hippler has found very important has been considering different dietary restrictions. She pointed out that there are a lot of people in Fayetteville who are eating gluten-free.

“We have made sure that we make our own gluten-free bread, flourless desserts and keep a gluten-free beer option. It is awesome to see people who are allergic to gluten be able to come in and get a sandwich, a side, a dessert and a beer with all of their friends.”

The restaurant also maintains vegetarian options.

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Reminiscent of an older time and a life of leisure, the Secret Sandwich Society hosts a distinct experience — Secret Society Supper Club. Held once a month in the evening, though they are hoping to offer it more frequently, Supper Club allows the first 12 patrons who e-mail the restaurant to attend. After 12 are signed up, other inquiries are added to a waiting list. It is a dinner party, of sorts, that is held around the last weekend of every month.

Patrons sit as a group and, for a flat rate, experience five to eight courses, appetizers, beer, wine, coffee and dessert.

The first one was held out on the deck in the evening, Hippler said. Specialty cocktails, poached eggs, asparagus and caviar were served for appetizers.

“We knew when we opened the business that we wanted to have a Supper Club,” said Hippler.

Bailey, who is also part owner of Pies and Pints, agreed and added that having the type of sandwich shop that allows an element of fine dining keeps them, as owners and chefs, intrigued.

“It has been really awesome for us to have the freedom to cook off-menu this way. We go to the farmer’s market in the morning and use that as an inspiration,” Hippler said.

Secret Sandwich Society is open for lunch every day except Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patrons can call ahead for curbside pick-up (304-574-4777). It is located at 1031/2 Keller Ave. in Fayetteville and its menu and photos from the last Supper Club can be viewed online at www.secretSANDWICHsociety .com.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com