SUPER SUBS: “The response has been even better than we expected. We’ve had a great welcome, and our customers are really enjoying it here. We have already had lots of repeats, and some even come every day.” Dee Curran, owner (left) and Tyler Smith, manager of Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Shops At Windsor Green, are very enthusiastic about the future of their new sub shop.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has a history and a long connection with the Jersey shore. The original Mike’s Subs opened in Point Pleasant in 1956. At that time, there were very few chain restaurants, and the submarine sandwich was a relatively new item on the American casual dining scene.

Residents, summer visitors, and vacationers to Point Pleasant looked forward to Mike’s special sandwiches, and began to spread the word.

In addition, as an independently-owned “Mom and Pop” business, Mike’s emphasized personal service and friendly attention to customers. People were soon lining up to buy the sandwiches and enjoy the informal and authentic shore atmosphere.

Almost 60 years later, Jersey Mike’s is still going strong — even stronger — with more than 800 independently-owned franchises nationwide.

Strong Believer

CEO Peter Cancro, who purchased the original Mike’s in 1972, when he was 17, is such a strong believer in the product that he has expanded it dramatically, notes Dee Curran, owner of the new Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Shops At Windsor Green.

“Peter had worked at Mike’s since he was 14, and when he heard that the owner was thinking of selling, he decided he wanted to buy it. A senior in high school at the time, he approached his football coach, who also happened to be a banker, and asked if he could help out. The coach backed the loan, and Peter became owner of Mike’s Subs at the age of 17!”

The rest, as they say, is history.

Over time, Mike’s expanded its operation into independent franchises, eventually changing the name to Jersey Mike’s Subs, and the business is more successful than ever. Jersey Mike’s at Windsor Green opened June 18, and Dee Curran couldn’t be happier.

“This is an excellent location, just four miles from Princeton University and on the Route One corridor. We get customers from the area, including Rider University, The College of New Jersey, and many others. Parking is so easy here. We’re right by Whole Foods, and this is a good spot for us.”

What keeps people coming back are the great subs and the friendly service, he adds.

“The sandwiches focus on ‘Mike’s Way’, a combination of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil and vinegar, spices, and then the choice of ham, cheese, turkey, roast beef, etc. The secret of the whole thing is the ‘juice’. That is, the combination of oil, vinegar, and the spices. This adds a certain zing. Once you have it, you definitely want it again!”

Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients are a priority, adds manager Tyler Smith. “Every morning, everything is prepared fresh, including fresh-baked bread and cookies on site. We slice the tomatoes, onions, and lettuce ourselves, and we slice the meat right in front of the customer. We also trim, tie, and cook the roast beef in-house. This is the way the original Mike’s did it. Freshness is crucial in our world.

“In addition,” he continues, “it’s all about communicating with the people. Our staff really cares about the product, and they are genuinely engaged with the work and the customers. It’s genuine and authentic.”

Jersey Mike’s offers both cold and hot subs, with a big variety of choices in three sizes. “We’re probably best known for our cold sandwiches, but we’ve developed a specific hot sub business too,” reports Mr. Smith.

Popular cold choices include the Original Italian with provolone, ham, prosciutto, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni; the Famous Roast Beef and Provolone, cooked on the premises using only certified Angus USDA top rounds; the Turkey Breast and Provolone, including 99 percent fat-free turkey; and the Veggie, featuring Swiss cheese, provolone, and green bell peppers.

And, of course, “Mike’s Way” is the secret ingredient in all of the cold subs.

Among the hot subs, Chipotle Cheesesteak with grilled onions, peppers, and chipotle mayo is a favorite, along with the Big Kahuna Cheesesteak, including grilled onions and peppers, plus mushrooms, jalapeno peppers, and extra cheese.

Meatballs and Cheese, Chicken Parm, and Grilled Pastrami Reuben are other popular choices.

“Sub in a Tub”

In addition, Mike’s offers wrap sandwiches, including Chicken Caesar, Buffalo Chicken, Grilled Veggie, and Turkey Wrap, among others.

Another big favorite for many customers is the “Sub in a Tub”. “We can turn any sandwich into a salad,” says Mr. Curran. “This is also popular with those who want gluten-free since it eliminates the bread. Choose any cold sub and select your topping. Then, all you need is a knife and fork!”

Beverages include fountain and bottled drinks and brewed iced tea. Chips are also available along with the cookies and brownies.

Jersey Mike’s offers sit-down (for 52 people), take-out, and catering. All are popular, and Mr. Curran notes that they have already been very busy with catering orders. “We have done many catering jobs for local businesses. We expect to do more of this, and of course, we are very busy with people coming in here. Lunchtime is especially busy, and a lot of people also stop in after work to take a sub home.”

Subs start at $5.25, and there is also a children’s special with small sub, drink, and cookie for $4.45. Student plans are available as well.

“We believe we are set apart in lots of ways, including ‘Mike’s Way,” adds Mr. Curran. “An important aspect of Jersey Mike’s is that the company really believes in giving back to the community. We do this in a number of ways. Whenever a new Jersey Mike’s Subs opens (always on a Wednesday), for the five days through Sunday, customers can have a free sub with a minimum donation of $1. We will select a charity, and all the money will go to a local charity or non-profit. For our opening, we chose the Princeton YMCA, and they put the money toward building a new playground for the kids.”

Numerous Causes

Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised nearly $10 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 750,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.

“We are also involved in Wreaths Across America, an organization which places wreaths on military graves at holiday time. We really look forward to becoming an established part of the community; we always want to give back. This is a big part of the Jersey Mikes concept.”

Visitors to Jersey Mike’s at Windsor Green enjoy — in addition to the subs! — the shore-like setting. Posters and photographs of shore scenes are on display, as is an eight foot surfboard suspended on the wall. A giant blow-up of a vintage post card from Point PIeasant adds another fun touch to the atmosphere.

“The product we give out in every way is so important,” points out Mr. Smith. “We want to make sure you are satisfied with the overall experience: the food, the service, the atmosphere, and the welcome you receive.”

Jersey Mike’s is open seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (609) 799-8094. Website: jerseymikes.com.