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This sandwich shop that's like a souped-up Panera sells 'sandwich environmentalism' - take a look

This sandwich shop that's like a souped-up Panera sells 'sandwich environmentalism' - take a look

Homegrown, with its wood-paneled counters, chalkboard-inspired décor, and tablets for ordering, has the vibe of a Whole Foods produce supplier swallowed by an Apple store.

This sandwich shop that's like a souped-up Panera sells 'sandwich environmentalism' - take a look

Menu boards showed the company's sourcing guidelines and suppliers. This level of transparency is hard to come by outside high-end restaurants and "Portlandia" sketches.

Menu boards showed the company

I ordered three menu items and a cup of coffee from boutique San Francisco roaster Sightglass Coffee. My total came to a whopping $48.19, including a 15% tip.

I ordered three menu items and a cup of coffee from boutique San Francisco roaster Sightglass Coffee. My total came to a whopping $48.19, including a 15% tip.

First I tried a seasonal offering, the Brie & Inna Jam Grilled Cheese. Their rendition has fig jam, brie, apple, caramelized onions, and greens.

First I tried a seasonal offering, the Brie & Inna Jam Grilled Cheese. Their rendition has fig jam, brie, apple, caramelized onions, and greens.

The Brie & Inna Jam Grilled Cheese retails for $12. You can also order it as a combo with a side salad or cup of soup for $9.95.

I was disappointed by how little cheese there was. The nutty-tasting caramelized onions overwhelmed the brie. It was more French onion soup than grilled cheese.

I was disappointed by how little cheese there was. The nutty-tasting caramelized onions overwhelmed the brie. It was more French onion soup than grilled cheese.

Also, I was stunned Homegrown uses iceberg lettuce in its "organic greens" blend. For such a health-conscious brand, they picked a vegetable with very little nutritional value.

I was apprehensive going into round two. I asked to try one of the more popular items, and an employee recommended the Turkey, Bacon & Avocado sandwich without hesitation.

I was apprehensive going into round two. I asked to try one of the more popular items, and an employee recommended the Turkey, Bacon & Avocado sandwich without hesitation.

It retails for $12.95. By comparison, a Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT at Panera costs $10.49.

In my first bite, I tore into a thick, not-too-greasy cut of bacon and buttery avocado. Subway sandwiches have nothing on this BLT-rendition. The salty savoriness made me crave more.

In my first bite, I tore into a thick, not-too-greasy cut of bacon and buttery avocado. Subway sandwiches have nothing on this BLT-rendition. The salty savoriness made me crave more.

Cheddar, turkey, roasted garlic aioli, and greens top it off. My only complaint was that the fat and salt-rich sandwich could have used tomatoes or pickles for added freshness.

Cheddar, turkey, roasted garlic aioli, and greens top it off. My only complaint was that the fat and salt-rich sandwich could have used tomatoes or pickles for added freshness.

Lastly, I tried the Garlic Roasted Tofu Grain Bowl, one of several salad and grain bowls on the menu. It mixes quinoa, tofu, roasted mushrooms, kimchi, cucumbers, greens, and sesame ginger sauce, and is served warm.

Lastly, I tried the Garlic Roasted Tofu Grain Bowl, one of several salad and grain bowls on the menu. It mixes quinoa, tofu, roasted mushrooms, kimchi, cucumbers, greens, and sesame ginger sauce, and is served warm.

The Garlic Roasted Tofu Grain Bowl costs $11.95.

The garlic-roasted tofu was the standout ingredient, and I almost never eat tofu. It was tender and flavorful, and had a great texture, thanks to the bits of quinoa that stuck to it.

The garlic-roasted tofu was the standout ingredient, and I almost never eat tofu. It was tender and flavorful, and had a great texture, thanks to the bits of quinoa that stuck to it.

The sesame ginger sauce and kimchi delivered the right amount of heat, but overall, this dish fell flat for me. Still, $12 is a steal for such high-quality ingredients.

The sesame ginger sauce and kimchi delivered the right amount of heat, but overall, this dish fell flat for me. Still, $12 is a steal for such high-quality ingredients.

Because Homegrown is more expensive than eating at fellow sandwich chains Panera or Subway, I assumed the taste would be far superior. Instead, I got organic, locally sourced ingredients from sustainable farms — a bonus, no doubt — that taste ok.

Because Homegrown is more expensive than eating at fellow sandwich chains Panera or Subway, I assumed the taste would be far superior. Instead, I got organic, locally sourced ingredients from sustainable farms — a bonus, no doubt — that taste ok.

Homegrown has three locations in the Bay Area and another 10 in the Seattle area.

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