Cherry Bomb Sandwiches
Cha-cha-cha-cha Cherry Bomb!
When I hear the phrase Cherry Bomb, my mind immediately goes to the iconic 1976 anthem by Joan Jett and The Runaways. But after visiting the newly opened Cherry Bomb Sandwiches in Oliver, BC, Joan and her crew may have some competition—because now when I hear Cherry Bomb, I think of perfectly cooked pork, sauced in a Portuguese piri piri that absolutely rocks.
I had the chance to visit and chat with owner and chef Logan Ferreira, the mastermind behind this explosive little sandwich shop. He’s not just making sandwiches—he’s creating flavour bombs so good, I had to go back and experience them again for myself.
As I always do, I asked Logan about the inspiration behind the name. His answer? Simple. Oliver is known for its cherries, he smokes his meat with cherry wood, and his sandwiches are “the bomb.” Makes sense.
Anyone who knows me knows I have a deep respect—borderline obsession—for the humble sandwich. It’s one of the greatest culinary inventions ever made. Born out of practicality—meat between two slices of bread so workers didn’t need a fork and knife—the sandwich has evolved into a global staple. Every culture has its own version, and everyone thinks theirs is best.
Logan keeps it refreshingly simple. No four-page menu. No decision fatigue. Just a short list of perfected items done right, every time. More restaurants should follow that lead. When you do one thing exceptionally well, people come back again and again. And for me, when I crave a pork sandwich with piri piri sauce—which, in my opinion, is Portugal’s greatest export (sorry Cristiano Ronaldo)—I now think of Cherry Bomb Sandwiches and their Pork Bifana Piri Piri Sandwich.
Last week I talked about “safe meat”—that tragically overcooked, flavourless protein so common in home kitchens, especially here in Canada. Pork loin is often the biggest offender. We’ve all politely suffered through dry, chewy pork dinners from loved ones who meant well. But Logan? Logan has broken the curse. His pork is tender, juicy, and exploding with flavour. Pair it with his tangy, spicy, craveable piri piri sauce, and you’ll be back the next day ordering a second one just to relive the experience.
Logan takes immense pride in his Portuguese heritage and flavours, and it shows. He’s spent years perfecting this menu before finally taking the plunge, launching his food trailer, and betting on himself. He’s not just a nice guy running a local business—he’s earned your support by serving legitimately amazing food.
So next time your mom, grandma, or significant other tells you they’re making pork loin for dinner, do yourself a favour: grab a sandwich from Logan and stash it in the fridge. After choking down a dry dinner out of politeness, you’ll have your reward waiting. And if you want to make a subtle point, buy a second one and share it with them—just so they can taste what pork is supposed to be.
And when you do, tell Logan that Sheldon sent you.
You can find Cherry Bomb Sandwiches in the food trailer located in the parking lot next to the Oliver BC Liquor Store, across from No Frills supermarket. They’re open Thursday to Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Sheldon Herman is the author of the award-winning, international best-selling book “The Tortured Traveller: How I Survived the Worst Vacation Ever,” and has eaten his way through over 60 countries. This review was written independently and without compensation. Have a restaurant you’d like featured? Email [email protected].
