Jersey Mike's Joins Fold of Sub Shops

Yes, there are a few independent eateries in the area where you can grab a sub.

But Jersey Mike's is among them now next door in Red Bank; and, the franchise's principals think the shop has enough of its own signature sandwich and community appeal to thrive.

Josie Capozzi, vice president of Jersey Mike's Franchise Relations, says it's more than the sub that distinguishes the shop.

It's the way the franchise gets involved and gives back to the community and personalizes customer service, she says. It's something for which small, independently owned shops in Red Bank with longstanding followings are known.

But, says Capozzi, so is Jersey Mike's. And the Red Bank shop staff is set to offer it, starting now. The 100 Water Street store since its Wednesday opening has been circulating 7,500 coupons offering a free regular sub in exchange for a minimum $2 contribution to The Community YMCA. That fundraiser continues through Sunday.

Coupled with a 60-year history, starting with a shop in Point Pleasant, of what Capozzi says focuses on being "your small town deli," she stressed that "we take the time to know your name. We enliven where we can. And when we ask, 'How can we help?' we mean it."

There are 1,000 Jersey Mike's across the country that are open or in development stages right now.  

“Jersey Mike’s was my first job in high school and since then I have worked in a number of different Jersey Mike’s locations around the country,” said Red Bank's shop operator Lewis Thompson. “Being back home in Monmouth County and continuing my career with Jersey Mike’s is a home run for me. This grand opening is a special opportunity for us to give back to the community and expand our roots here at the Jersey Shore.”

Jersey Mike's boasts the use of private labeled meats and cheeses, in-store baked bread and a signature dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar and secret spices. As is status quo in New Jersey, but not in other parts of the country, the usual toppings are the dressing with onions, lettuce and tomatoes.

A favorite, Jersey Mike's reps said, is the #13, The Original Italian.

As far as shops that are exclusively dedicated to the sub focus, relatively new in town is Red Bank Sub Shop. The oldest is Elsie's. And there are the pizzerias and sandwich shops that also offer subs.

Which is your favorite shop and flavor, so to speak? We were told by Elsie's folks that the favs there for years have been the turkey sub with cranberry and two of the standard Italian varieties.