The Standard, a great place to grab a souvenir, birthday present or hostess gift, will soon sell to-go sandwiches. The shop’s manager tells me the subs will be available likely sometime this month. (7.15.25 update! Sandwiches now available.)

On the menu are an Italian sub and a turkey provolone, with meat freshly sliced and served on Turano bread with house-made flavored oil. There will also be a roasted veggie sandwich and drinks such as Olipop and waters.

Some of you may remember the shop from its Franklin Street location in downtown Michigan City, when it was called Unsalted No Sharks. The owners sold that brand to its printer, hence the name change. The Standard refers to the Standard Oil station on Route 12 the shop has called home since April of 2024.

In addition to No Sharks merchandise (T-shirts, hats, hoodies, coozies), The Standard features the work of local artisans such as Beach Bum jewelry, candles from Nest No. 4, and dune- and lake-related art by Bunny Dimke.  

It’s easy to zoom by if you’re not paying attention: If you’re heading east, slow down at Blue Chip casino and look to the left. If you come to Burn ‘Em Brewery, you’ve just missed it. (In which case, oh well, pop in for a beer and then head back!) The Standard also has a second location in New Buffalo at 19 N. Whittaker. Both are open daily from 11-5; from 10-5 on Saturdays.  

Shopping along 12 in Indiana is getting better all the time. In Beverly Shores, there’s Cat’s Eye, a vintage shop in my favorite midcentury glass office building; Over Yonder gift shop; a small but mighty gift section (jewerly, books, pottery) at The Depot Museum & Gallery (open Fri-Sun); and Goblin & The Grocer also has a nice selection of gifty things, with an emphasis on food and related merchandise.

The Standard, 1208 E 2nd St. at U.S. 12, Michigan City, 219-879-0034