ONTARIO ─ A new option for sub sandwiches will soon be available in Richland County.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, a chain restaurant offering Northeast-American style sub sandwiches, has occupied the storefront at 783 North Lexington-Springmill Road in Ontario and started renovating the space.
Andrew Sample, co-owner of local Jersey Mike’s franchise, told Richland Source via an email that he expects to open the restaurant on June 30.
“Ontario is a vibrant area as a main shopping hub for the region. We are excited to bring the brand to the area and think the community will enjoy our fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs,” he said.
Sample and his father, Roger, own six Jersey Mike’s locations in the Cleveland area. The owner said several locations in Ohio are in development and expected to open in the next nine to 12 months.
Phoebe Snell, an Ontario native, will be the new restaurant’s general manager, according to Sample. He plans to hire another 30 people locally. He said the company offers competitive wages and a great working environment.
With the franchise growing in the area, there are many advancement opportunities, Sample said. Those interested in joining the team can visit the store or apply online at Snagajob.com.
Jersey Mike’s Subs is the fastest-growing sandwich chain in the 2020 Nation’s Restaurant News Top 200, according to the company. Area director Steve Minnich said 10 locations are expected to open in Columbus and into Cleveland this year.
The sub sandwich restaurant, which says it only uses premium meats and cheeses sliced on the spot, started in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956 as Mike’s Sub. According to the company, because of its location on the Jersey Shore, the store quickly grew popularity among surf and sun-seekers from New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.
In 1975, Peter Cancro, a 17-year-old high school student who had worked at Mike’s Sub for years, bought the business with the help of his football coach. He began to franchise the restaurant in 1987 and changed the name to Jersey Mike’s Sub. Cancro is now the CEO of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.
Sample said the business’ philosophy about giving back to local organizations in need is important to him and his father. They look forward to partnering with nonprofits and schools in the community.
Last year, Jersey Mike’s raised more than $700,000 for local community partners such as schools and hospitals as part of fundraisers to celebrate the openings of 210 new locations across the country, according to the company.
