SPAIN. Global travel restaurateur Areas has staged the grand final of its Grand Chef Auto competition, the company’s internal contest to find the best sandwich of 2025 in association with strategic partner Coca-Cola.
The winner was chosen from more than 50 entries, submitted by team members across the company’s Spanish highways and train station food & beverage estate.
With winners moving forward from seven regional semi-finals, six finalists competed for the Areas Grand Chef Auto title at Coca-Cola’s Barcelona offices last week.
The winning sandwich, named Rabas a la lima, came from Areas Quintanapalla Motorway Services Store Manager Asma Laamiri, who has worked for the company since 2008.
Her tasty creation features crystal bread, battered squid strips, mayonnaise, lime, caramelised onion and rocket.
Second place went to the Porky Supreme sandwich from the Areas Écija motorway services team, while third place was awarded to the Chicken Brie sandwich submitted by the Areas Valladolid train station team.
Rabas a la lima will be added to the new Areas sandwich range and made available in all its motorway service areas and train station venues in a special menu with a Coca-Cola drink.
Areas Spain Director of Highway Operations Juanjo García told The Moodie Davitt Report: “The entries to Grand Chef Auto demonstrated the creativity and talent of our teams throughout the territory, reflecting the passion for gastronomy that moves us every day. We want to thank all the participants for their effort and dedication, the level has been incredible.
“This competition is not just about winning – it’s an opportunity to foster teamwork, the driving force behind our daily excellence. It’s a great example of our core value: operational excellence.” 
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