Sandwich Box is a Toronto-based food-tech startup redefining fast-casual dining through a network of smart vending machines that dispense fresh, chef-crafted gourmet sandwiches. Developed in partnership with a Michelin-starred chef, the brand bridges the gap between restaurant-quality food and on-the-go convenience.

As a first-time entrepreneur with no background in food technology, hardware manufacturing, or business scaling, the client required end-to-end guidance—from product design and brand strategy to production logistics. The goal was to create a vending machine that not only functions flawlessly but also serves as a powerful branding tool in a competitive urban market.

After an initial strategy session with Shape’s Founder, Ron Tsang, the client entrusted Shape with the full product design and manufacturing journey.
The design process began with a clear mandate: make the vending machine unforgettable. Drawing inspiration from the Sandwich Box logo, our team developed a bread-loaf-shaped machine profile—a bold, iconic silhouette that stands out in any setting. Through multiple rounds of iteration, we arrived at a final design that balances visual impact with functional performance, ensuring the machine is both a conversation starter and a reliable retail unit.

In parallel, Shape developed a cohesive custom packaging system that mirrors the machine’s distinctive aesthetic. The sandwich boxes were designed as miniature brand ambassadors—clean, appetizing, and structurally engineered to preserve freshness while integrating seamlessly with the vending machine’s dispensing mechanism. Every detail, from material choice to unboxing ergonomics, reinforces the brand’s premium positioning and enhances the customer experience at every touchpoint.

To turn concept into reality, Shape facilitated the client’s visa process and led a week-long sourcing expedition to China. The team visited six manufacturing facilities, evaluating capabilities in vending machine production and custom packaging tooling. Armed with on-the-ground insights, the client successfully negotiated and signed production contracts, paving the way for prototype development and small-batch manufacturing.

The initial production run consists of 10 fully functional machines, with plans for aggressive scaling following a market trial in the Greater Toronto Area.

Through this collaboration, Shape delivered:

• A distinctive, brand-forward vending machine design
• A unified packaging system that elevates the product experience
• A robust manufacturing partnership network in China
• End-to-end project management for a first-time entrepreneur