Sandwiches, Soups, and Stories: The Fusion Behind Iggy’s Place

Nestled in San Francisco’s Outer Richmond, Iggy’s Place is more than just a sandwich shop—it’s a testament to the power of community, cultural fusion, and the pursuit of a dream.

The shop is the brick-and-mortar evolution of Borsch Mobile, the beloved food truck run by co-founders Igor “Iggy” Teplitsky and Anna Flider. During the pandemic, when neighborhoods became lifelines, the couple began dreaming aloud on long walks: what if they opened a proper sandwich shop? Their food philosophies come from very different places. Iggy grew up in Chicago, where meals centered around hearty, no-nonsense sandwiches. Anna, by contrast, grew up in the Soviet Union, where every meal was expected to include a hot dish, often soup.

 “I came here in ’93 with my grandparents,” Anna shares. “We immigrated as refugees, and in my culture, every meal was supposed to have a hot component, like a soup or something substantial.” 

That contrast—sandwiches versus soups—has become the heartbeat of Iggy’s Place, shaping both the menu and the atmosphere. Self-funded and cautious, Iggy and Anna searched for a space they could afford, leaning on their experience from Borsch Mobile and a commissary kitchen in Bay View. The chance came when a local spot—formerly Cassava—opened up for a daytime pop-up. With the help of a food consultant, they connected with the owners, tested their concept, and soon found themselves with a hit on their hands. Within half a year, Iggy’s Place fully took over the space. The transformation was gradual and deeply personal: friends and family contributed art and photos, and the décor reflected the couple’s roots and aspirations. A grant from the city’s SF Shine program later funded a façade update, signaling a new chapter for the business.

Iggy’s Place quickly became a neighborhood favorite, not just for its sandwiches but for the sense of belonging it fostered. The menu is a true mixing pot of influences—Eastern European, Jewish, Chicago, and California, with an added layer of Mexican flavors brought in by their talented sous chef, Giorgio.

 “He brought his culture and his flavors to the kitchen,” Anna explains, “and together it represents us—a mixing pot of things that tells our story.” 

Signature dishes include juicy Italian beef sandwiches inspired by Iggy’s Chicago upbringing, handmade Ukrainian dumplings, and a best-selling chicken schnitzel born from a Hanukkah celebration.

“We are never fully in San Francisco or Chicago or California. We are built in part of different cultures,” they reflect.

Collaboration has been key to Iggy’s Place. From the late food advisor Steven Simmons, who encouraged them to cure their own meats, to local wine curator and Slake Bottle Shop owner, Daniel Lovett, the shop thrives on relationships and shared expertise.

Iggy’s is where stories are shared, cultures blend, and every meal celebrates roots and community. Whether you’re craving a classic Chicago beef sandwich, a comforting bowl of soup, or a taste of something new, Iggy’s Place welcomes you like family.