Panino Express Mobile Cusine

Waited 45 min for a sandwich while at PVD Flea. Terrible service!!!

I’m relatively new to this whole food truck business, but I am really excited about all of the options in Providence. I was working at The Providence Flea Sunday and was glad to see several food trucks pull up to the curb. After posting on Poco Loco’s Facebook wall to confirm they were not coming, I walked down to survey my options. Panino Express caught my eye since I was craving a warm, melty, pressed sandwich, and I was pleased to see several appetizing options on the menu.
They had a turkey avocado special, but when I inquired about the ingredients, I was informed that they had sold out — bummer. Ok, I’ll go with my second choice: The Cuban (fresh-​sliced ham, roasted turkey breast, sliced pickles, honey mustard, chipotle mayo and swiss cheese on sourdough bread) — yum. Well, I was told that it was going to be mostly ham — I assumed they were running low on turkey given the lack of the turkey avocado special. Oh well, fine. I like ham.
Tom D. mentioned the wait, and it was a little prolonged for a food truck, though I didn’t wait nearly 45 minutes; it was closer to 15. It would be great if they could get it under 10… and if they could also come better stocked, especially if you’re offering specials.
To sum up, my sandwich was delicious — hot, melty swiss oozing out the sides, fresh ingredients, a good balance of flavors (even sans turkey). I can’t rule out Panino Express; I’ll visit again to give them another shot.
All paninis are $ 7.50, which after sampling, I think is pretty reasonable given the amount and quality of ingredients. And they take credit cards, which is always helpful.

My girlfriend and I decided to try panino express at the Providence Flea today and we were really excited by the big selection they had on their menu. After we ordered our food and drinks we sat to wait. And wait. And wait.
After 45 minutes and a status check or two we finally got out food. It was good, but not great.
Normally I’d give a better review for ‘good’ food, but this review reflects the overall experience of getting food here, not just the food itself, and 45 minutes to wait for food truck sandwiches that aren’t ‘out of the world’ is ridiculous. Honestly there were a few moments during our wait that we almost got up and walked away.
The main thing that makes a successful food truck besides good food, is food preparation. People go to trucks for something quick and tasty. I understand the concept if wanting to do ‘made to order’ food, but when you’re a truck at a big event and you have a line of 20 people waiting to order you’re only going to make enemies, not repeat customers.
Perhaps it would have been different if they told us the wait would be that long from the start, instead we ended up wishing we went elsewhere (and an event like this, there were PLENTY of other options).
Again, I will state the food was good– if they figured out a way to get their prep in before they open so the wait is something like 10 – 15 minutes (still long for a food truck), they could be successful, but as it is now I don’t see how they’re going to last in the increasingly competitive food truck market in Providence.
As it is now, I know my girlfriend and I won’t be going back, and by the discussions of the other patrons waiting– it doesn’t seem like they will be either.

Enjoy the best sandwich shop in Providence!