A small shop with big-time tradition, Mike’s Sandwich Shop in the 1700 block of Centre Avenue in Reading has been open for more than 60 years.
Not much changes there, except now, one thing has: the ownership.
“I worked here as a kid, it was my first high school job,” said Tim Profit, the shop’s new owner and the General Manager of Savage 61 car dealership in Muhlenberg Township.
Profit bought the business from outgoing owner, Earl Dunkelberger, in April only going public recently. He is known for keeping other Reading traditions alive, including Christmas on the Mountain on North 14th Street. Profit and business partner, Tim Negri, split the venture 50/50, just the way Mike’s has been splitting sandwiches for all these years.
“I’m interested in the history of Reading and good things from Reading, and good things don’t always have to change,” Profit said. “This is one of the things I didn’t want to change, so we basically bought it so it wouldn’t change.”​
Profit says he wants to keep the place historically perfect: the same philosophy shared by those behind the counter.
“You come in here and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to make sure you go home happy and full,” said employee Samantha Kline.