A fast-casual restaurant chain, which brands itself as offering “a sub above,” is continuing to expand its footprint in the region.
New locations of Jersey Mike’s Subs, a submarine sandwich chain headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, are coming soon to 4611 Perkiomen Ave., Unit 17, in Exeter Township, Berks County; and 200 Shoemaker Road in Pottstown, Montgomery County.
The Pottstown location is expected to open in January or February, while the Exeter Township location is expected to open April, a Jersey Mike’s spokesperson said.
Ryan Kneller
Jersey Mike’s, with more than 4,000 locations open and in development nationwide, began as a single storefront location — originally called Mike’s Subs — in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
In 1971, Peter Cancro was living in Point Pleasant when he began working at Mike’s Subs at the age of 14.
Cancro enjoyed the business’ food as well as interacting with customers – learning about where they’re from and what their vacations entailed.
With a loan backed by his football coach, who was also a banker, Cancro purchased Mike’s Subs a few years later at the age of 17.
After marrying his former wife, Linda, and opening a couple of more local outposts of Mike’s Subs, Cancro eventually changed the business’ name to Jersey Mike’s Subs and started franchising in 1987.
“Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices still top amazing authentic sandwiches across the nation, carrying on the namesake who created the store over 65 years ago,” reads a message on the business’ website.
“Our secret to longevity has been making sure that everything is always high quality. Our MSA Grade top round beef are trimmed and cooked right in the store. Our meats and cheeses are all top-quality premium brands. Our bread is fresh-baked each day on the premises. And of course, everything’s prepared right in front of you.”
Jersey Mike’s serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956.
By Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jersey Mike’s restaurants, featuring wallpaper and other decor paying homage to the business’ Jersey Shore roots, promise to serve “a sub above.”
In addition to featuring USDA Choice top rounds of roast beef, fine aged cheeses and its signature “juice” — a red wine vinegar and olive oil blend that gives the subs their “zing,” the company carries produce that is grown, packed and shipped locally (where available).
Subs, which can be ordered as a single sandwich or as part of a meal with chips and a drink, include more than a dozen fresh-sliced options such as the “Club Supreme” (roast beef, turkey, Swiss, applewood-smoked bacon and mayo) and “Jersey Shore’s Favorite” (provolone, ham and cappacuolo) along with a dozen grilled-to-order varieties such as a Buffalo chicken cheesesteak and Big Kahuna cheesesteak (grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos and extra white American cheese).