Jersey Mike’s Subs surfaces

  • Charlie Laughtland<br>Enterprise writer
  • Monday, March 3, 2008 10:04am

The beachcombing life certainly has its advantages. The sand, the surf, the saltwater, the sandals.

Oh, and the subs.

Pity the Puget Sound for patiently waiting almost 50 years for our first taste of the savory submarine sandwiches made famous on the opposite coast.

Jersey Mike’s Subs has officially landed in Lynnwood, ironically sandwiched between a Jenny Craig outlet and a fitness equipment retailer at the Alderwood Crossing Shopping Center that sits just north of the mall.

Since opening two days after Christmas, the store has gradually built a loyal clientele. Following a slow start to the year, favorable word-of-mouth reviews boosted business.

“We’re having our ramp-up period,” owner Jim Larson said. “People are trying us and keep coming back. There isn’t a whole lot of name recognition for Jersey Mike’s in Washington yet.”

The two-month-old Lynnwood location joins Kent (across the street from IKEA) and Redmond (near the Microsoft campus) as the state’s only Jersey Mike’s shops.

The original Jersey Mike’s opened in 1956 in Point Pleasant, N.J., and the franchises that are popping up at an impressive rate across the nation stay true to the formula of satisfying sandwiches and a friendly staff.

Day-at-the-beach posters and photos accent the Lynnwood shop’s seagreen walls. Bright, wood floors and paneling help create a Jersey Shore boardwalk atmosphere, minus the carousel rides, squawking seagulls and saltwater taffy.

“Our concept here is to have a fun environment,” said Larson, an engineer by trade who moved to the area from South Florida last year. “We banter with the customers a bit and try to remember all their names.”

Memorizing the Jersey Mike’s menu is an equally challenging task, with two-dozen varieties of hot and cold sandwiches as well as tortilla wraps, soups, salads and homemade cookies available.

Two of the best-selling cold selections are the three-meat “Italian Super Sub” and the five-meat “Original.” The classic club subs are also popular and the “Famous Philly” cheese steak with either beef or chicken is the most requested grilled sub.

Meats, cheeses and veggies are stacked high on the fresh-baked breads (white, wheat or rosemary Parmesan). Ask for the “Jersey Mike’s way” and your sub is decked out with lettuce, tomatoes, sweet Spanish onions, oil, vinegar, salt and oregano.

“Nothing is pre-made, or pre-sliced,” Larson said. “The red wine vinegar, olive oil and spices really give the sandwiches an East Coast flavor.”

Made-to-order sandwiches start at $3.89 for the “mini” variety and go as high as $8.95 for a 14-inch “giant” sub that truly lives up to its name. Tuna, chef and chicken salads are $5.29 and soups are $2.29 by the cup or 50 cents more by the bowl.

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