It started in October 1999 when David Pepin and Peter Boniface pursued a shared dream of owning their own sandwich shop, and continues today as the Steamboat Springs-based Yampa Sandwich Co. continues to flow into new markets.

Since its start, the Steamboat Springs men have watched the business grow, expanding to eight locations in the state, with hopes of adding 15-20 restaurants across Colorado over the next several years. The company will also expand into various markets throughout Arizona, Texas and Utah.

“It’s a bit daunting, but at the same time, we’ve been working so hard over the last four, five, six years to create the platform for us to roll this out outside of the state of Colorado with training systems, technology platforms, supply chain and training teams. We have all the things that we would need in order to allow ourselves to support the business outside of the state of Colorado, which is a whole other animal, for sure,” Pepin said. “We’ve done our work, and we’re ready for it.”

The business is currently seeking multi-unit operators with what Pepin calls “the heart of an adventurer.” The operator would need to cover the $45,000 franchise fee and the total initial investment necessary to open a 1,500- to 2,500-square-foot restaurant with seating for at least 30 guests.

Pepin said Yampa Sandwich Co. has already identified an additional 35 trade areas where the business could operate in Colorado in addition to the eight corporate-owned franchises that already exist.

“We might have another one, maybe two, open up before the year is up,” Pepin said. “But most likely — just based on how things happen — it will probably be closer to 2025 before we have a couple more in the state, but we are in those talks already.“

Pepin and Boniface have been friends since they were teenagers and have been business partners for 25 years. They started the business at Backcountry Provisions in Old Town Square at 635 Lincoln Ave. and found hometown success with the fresh-made sandwiches. They changed the name to Yampa Sandwich Co. in 2019 in honor of the Yampa River that flows through Steamboat Springs, and as a tribute to the town where they got their start and the adventures that inspired them to open a sandwich shop in the first place.

“We are both turning 55 this year. We’ve been business partners for 25 years, and we’ve been best of friends for almost 40,” Pepin said. “That sort of chemistry, that enthusiasm, has allowed us to get where we are today. We both have a very clear vision as far as what we want to do, and we try to make sure we just stay focused on what we we’ve been doing all along.”

A few years ago, the two men brought another partner, Dave Mischell, who owns the five Denver locations. The move has helped the Yampa Sandwich Co. grow outside of Steamboat Springs and introduced its 17 sandwiches to new markets.

“We don’t just make sandwiches — we feed the adventures of everyday life, whether that’s hiking the great peaks or getting through that afternoon meeting,” Pepin said. “Yampa Sandwich Co. fuels people’s bodies, minds and lives.”