Downtown Grants Pass has long been known for its locally owned restaurants, unique shops, and the kind of small-town charm where business owners know their customers by name. Lately, however, construction and street closures around G Street have made things more challenging for some of those businesses.
That is part of what makes the ongoing “Say Cheese” grilled cheese series more than just a tour of creative sandwiches. It has also become a reminder to the community that these downtown restaurants are still open and still worth visiting.
The latest stop, Stop #22, shines a spotlight on The Laughing Clam, located at 121 SW G Street. The restaurant has been serving seafood favorites and comfort food for years, and its take on grilled cheese shows a willingness to get creative in the kitchen.
This particular sandwich is far from ordinary. Built on cheese-crusted sourdough bread, the grilled cheese is layered with pulled pork, grilled onions, and a rich blend of cheeses, including pepper jack, gorgonzola, parmesan, and cheddar. The result is a sandwich that leans heavily into bold, savory flavors while still delivering the comforting, melty quality people expect from a grilled cheese.
The pulled pork adds a smoky depth, while the mix of cheeses creates layers of flavor that balance sharpness, creaminess, and a touch of spice. Combined with the crunch of toasted sourdough and the sweetness of grilled onions, it is a sandwich that feels both indulgent and thoughtfully assembled.
But the series is not just about the food.
Throughout March, the “Say Cheese” campaign has highlighted restaurants across Grants Pass while also bringing attention to the Josephine County Food Bank. The idea is simple: showcase the creativity of local chefs while encouraging support for the businesses that help keep downtown vibrant.
Support is something many downtown merchants could use right now.
With construction underway and certain streets temporarily closed, foot traffic has slowed in some areas. For restaurants like The Laughing Clam, community support can make a meaningful difference during this transition.
Grants Pass has long been a town where people show up for their neighbors.
Local diners stopping in for lunch, families heading downtown for dinner, and visitors trying a restaurant for the first time all play a role in keeping small businesses alive. The goal behind projects like the “Say Cheese” series is to remind people that even small choices, such as choosing a local restaurant for a meal, help strengthen the local economy.
If the grilled cheese at The Laughing Clam is any indication, supporting local can also be incredibly satisfying.
In a town defined by its sense of community, efforts like this are less about promotion and more about appreciation. Appreciation for the restaurants that work every day to serve their customers and keep downtown Grants Pass full of life.
Sometimes, supporting local really is as simple as sitting down and enjoying a well-made sandwich.
