BIDDEFORD — George’s Sandwich Shop has been a local fixture in the downtown for decades and is one of those places people who move away from come back if they want a good Italian sandwich.

“They’re made with love and they’re always fresh,” said Joan Ladakakos, wife of John Ladakakos, owner of the store. The Ladakakos family opened the store in 1948, right around the corner from 37 Franklin St., where it’s been located since 1998.

“People want to eat what they ate when they were children and are comfortable with,” said Ladakakos. “You can get the same sandwich your grandfather got.”

You can. But now you can also get your sandwich with lettuce.

The Italian sandwich is said to have been invented by Giovanni Amato in 1902, who began selling the sandwiches from a cart that he took down to the fishing docks of Portland, according to the website for the Amato’s sandwich restaurant chain.

The classic Italian sandwich, in addition to meat and cheese, has tomato, green bell pepper, onion, pickles, olives and oil. No lettuce.

Though it’s not on the menu board, Ladakakos said the sandwich shop began late last summer offering lettuce to those who ask for it. The number of sandwiches with lettuce ordered in a day varies, she said. Some days it could be just one, others it could be five or six or maybe 10.

First wheat rolls and now lettuce? Why the change?

The shop has updated its sandwich selection over the years to go beyond sliced meat and now offers tuna, ham and chicken salad sandwiches, and Ladakakos said, some people prefer lettuce with a sandwich spread. Also, while natives and local customers are familiar with a Maine Italian sandwich, the shop is also visited by out-of-state tourists who are used to ordering sandwiches with lettuce.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com.