My Introduction to a Sub Above
There are certain experiences of trying out a new kind of food that people tend to remember for long periods of time. In my case, the experience that comes to mind is going to the Jersey Mike's for the very first time. What I remember about that experience is that the moment I walked into the store I could feel something different than what I experienced before in other places where they serve sandwiches. The scent of fresh bread and fresh meat became evident almost immediately, and it made me feel that it was not just a sandwich shop.
The story behind Jersey Mike's begins in 1956 not as 'Jersey Mike's' but as a simple shop known as 'Mike's Submarines', located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. A boy by the name of Peter Cancro was only 17 years old when he bought it in 1975. Imagine buying a company from your boss at the tender age of 17. This entrepreneurial mindset, I am sure, has been deeply embedded in their corporate culture. He later renamed his business to Jersey Mike's Subs, and the rest is history. Now that's what you'd call a quintessential American success story.
The Philosophy: Why It Is Really a 'Sub Above'
In what ways does Jersey Mike's stand out in an already crowded sandwich market? In my opinion, the answer lies in their commitment towards a few key principles which, in my view, they do not sacrifice under any circumstances. They refer to themselves as "A Sub Above" and in all honesty, they definitely live up to that moniker.
Step One: Just Sliced – The Key Component of the Product
To start with, it is necessary to emphasize that the product is based on the meat itself. Unlike other places where meat is sold, in Jersey Mike's, the meat and cheese for the sandwich is sliced right before one's eyes with a rather traditional slicer. The process of slicing is very interesting and gives the guarantee of the quality of the product because thin and juicy pieces of meat or cheese make the sandwich unique and tasty and cannot be provided by thick pieces of pre-sliced deli meat. It seems insignificant, but it makes the sandwich unique in terms of its taste.
The Bread – An Important Element of the Sandwich
Lastly, but not less importantly, there is the bread itself. The bread is simply amazing! In Jersey Mike's, the bread is baked every day inside the restaurant. Crispy crust and chewy interior make the bread able to provide everything from fillings to the customer. A good bread is really an important element of the perfect sandwich, and Jersey Mike's fits in my expectations concerning this issue. Sometimes, I feel like I want the bread itself more than anything else in the sandwich.
'The Juice': An Undeniably Signature Flavor
And of course, we cannot ignore 'The Juice'. You will know the taste when you get your sub from Jersey Mike's. That signature flavor made up of red wine vinegar and olive oil that is generously poured on the contents of your sub. This is not some minor aspect; this is what makes your sub a sub altogether. This tang, the flavor and moistness combine the flavors in the most perfect way. I always get my subs 'Mike's Way', and this is the 'juice' that turns my Jersey Mike's subs into something special.
My Menu Favorites and Modification Options
Usually, when I visit Jersey Mike's, I go for their menu favorites. But, basically, you cannot really go wrong with whatever they offer. Number #13 Original Italian is the best choice I think – this combination of provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, and salami is a perfect match. Sometimes I want something more light, and that's when I go for number #7 Turkey Breast and Provolone, 'Mike's Way' with lettuce, tomato, onion, and 'juice.'
It is also great to know how custom your order can be. They are highly versatile in terms of customization, adding jalapeños, more cheese or vegetables to your sandwich. Jersey Mike's also offers hot sandwiches, including the well-known Philly Cheesesteak. I had a chance to try some hot sandwiches there and they are great, especially if you are in need of hot food.
Giving Back: A Core Value
The other feature of Jersey Mike's that I find great about the company besides the sandwiches is their community involvement. It seems that they are not just selling their products; they have a strong desire to help people. In particular, each year the company is organizing 'Month of Giving' campaign. It includes a lot of different activities with local charities, and the most notable event is 'Day of Giving', during which 100% of all sales in certain locations are given to the charity. Imagine that for a minute - every dollar! This is an awesome program and I am happy to see such dedication from the company to the community.
Growth and Loyalty to Original Ideals
It is remarkable how much Jersey Mike's has developed over time since its humble origins at the Point Pleasant establishment. They have gone from one small store to thousands around the United States and beyond, but in all of this growth, I feel like they have remained true to the ideals that have defined them all along. Consistency in food quality, fresh sub-sandwiches, and 'Mike's Way' – this is what you can expect in most of their stores. This is incredibly hard to pull off for a fast-casual chain, and they certainly prove this to be true.
My Takeaway from the Jersey Mike's Experience
Why do I keep coming back to Jersey Mike's? Simple answer: the quality sandwich prepared using fresh ingredients that is served to me by people who obviously care about my experience. The combination of all of the above makes the experience complete, starting from the smell of Jersey Mike's when I enter the establishment, to seeing my sub sandwich being prepared, to having the first taste of the sandwich which is always perfectly 'juiced'. This feeling gives me a small taste of the Jersey Shore, wherever I am eating. They have managed to live up to their slogan of 'A Sub Above' time after time, and this is why I remain a faithful customer.