BETHLEHEM, Pa. – A longstanding sandwich shop chain that exited the Lehigh Valley in 2021 will soon have a presence in the area once again.
A new location of Jimmy John’s, a quick-service brand known for its “freaky fresh” sandwiches, is expected to open in early summer at the Schoenersville Centre, 3215 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem, according to James Balliet, president of the shopping center’s leasing team, The James Balliet Property Group.
The new eatery will occupy the former A1 Steak House II space, Balliet said.
A location of Jimmy John’s is coming soon to the Schoenersville Centre on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
Jimmy John’s, with more than 2,600 locations across the country, previously operated in the Lehigh Valley.
A location on Mill Creek Road closed in 2018, and a location on William Penn Highway in Palmer Township closed in 2021, leaving the chain with no Lehigh Valley presence for more than three years.
More than two dozen other Jimmy John’s locations continue to operate in Pennsylvania, including regional outposts in Lancaster and Philadelphia, according to the company’s website.
Jimmy John’s was established in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud in the college town of Charleston, Illinois, according to the business’ website.
“As a means of survival, Jimmy began hand delivering tasty sandwiches to students at Eastern Illinios University, and from there, grew the business into what it is today,” the online description continues.
Jimmy John’s French bread and 9-grain wheat bread is baked all day, every day and served less than four hours out of the oven.
Provolone cheese and premium meats, including genoa salami, capocollo, roast beef, turkey and ham, are sliced fresh daily in-store.
Workers also hand-slice produce, including lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion and celery, daily in every store.
“Fresh food made from scratch is just how we roll,” a message on the business’ website reads.
“The flavor of a ripe tomato and crisp shredded lettuce, combined with fresh-baked bread, fresh-sliced meat, and real Hellmann’s mayo – that’s when the magic happens.”
Jimmy John’s customers can choose from a wide array of sandwiches, including the Beach Club (turkey, provolone, avocado spread, cucumber, lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise), Italian Night Club (salami, capocollo, smoked ham, provolone, onion, lettuce, tomato, mayo, oil and vinegar and oregano-basil) and Ultimate Porker (smoked ham and applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo), served on their choice of 8- or 16-inch French bread, thick-sliced wheat bread or as a lettuce-wrapped “Unwich.”
Other menu highlights include sides such as homestyle potato salad, pesto bowtie pasta salad, chips and dill pickles; and desserts such as fudge chocolate brownies and chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and red velvet cookies.
The Schoenersville Centre operates on Schoenersville Road in Bethlehem.
Ryan Kneller
In October 2019, Jimmy John’s was acquired by Inspire Brands, a multi-brand restaurant company whose portfolio also includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, SONIC Drive-In and Rusty Taco.
The Bethlehem location of Jimmy John’s will operate in the Schoenersville Centre, which also is home to other food and drink spots, including Moe’s Southwest Grill, Saladworks and Starbucks.