The Northbrook, Ill.-based bakery is set to unveil D.C. Sarnies, a restaurant and research and development kitchen in early May in Deerfield, Ill. The facility will feature Highland’s baked goods and will provide a way to better service current and potential customers.

Highland Baking Co., Northbrook, Ill., is about to delve into the restaurant business when it opens D.C. Sarnies in Deerfield, Ill., in May. The eatery will specialize in sandwiches and classic American cuisine with a twist, burgers on Highland Baking’s signature breads and buns and a full menu loaded with appetizers, soups, salads, entrées and desserts.

The new restaurant will also serve as a research and development kitchen for Highland Baking and its restaurant clients. Guest chefs will have the opportunity to try out new sandwich builds and other recipes while diners can taste and provide feedback.

 “We are not opening D.C. Sarnies to go into the restaurant business,” says Stu Rosen, general manager and vice president of Highland Baking Co. “We are opening the restaurant to be better at the bakery business."