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Jersey Mike's

Our family favorite

By Babs IversonPublished 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago 4 min read
15
Jersey Mike's
Photo by Mae Mu on Unsplash

Growing up in Central Pennsylvania, we rarely ate out at restaurants. Our mother was an excellent cook and an accomplished baker, making homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, and cakes. Often, my dad would admit that mom didn't like to eat out at restaurants because she had proclaimed that she could make it better and cheaper at home. As a fact, she did make it better at home. By all means, no one ever challenged her on that point.

While we didn't have a lot of choices back then, our local Tasty Freeze was one of our big treats. On occasions, we would walk the three miles and with our dimes purchase a cone or two of ice cream. Then, we would walk the three miles back home. However, on a rare or very special occasion, we went to a well-known and favorite hoagie restaurant in our area for hoagies, Middlesworth potato chips, and birch beer (soda). Yes! We called subs hoagies. Interestingly, hoagies, the large torpedo-shaped sandwiches, have been referred to as subs, heroes, submarines, and grinders. Understandably, it all boils down to what geographic location you're at as to what name the sandwich is called or known by.

While some people prefer fine dining restaurants, my preference and my family's preference are casual and fun family restaurants. Definitely, childhood memories have a profound influence on your restaurant choices later in life. With memories of fun sunny days at beaches in Pensacola, Florida, or an impromptu hoagie party as a child, it isn't surprising that our family gravitated to Jersey Mike's.

Recalling my first encounter with Jersey Mike's was on a grocery run to Central Market on Lovers Lane in Dallas, we spotted the Jersey Mike's signage a block or two from our destination. We thought we would give it a try. Since it was new to me, my expectations were low. In this case, to my surprise, my newfound sub restaurant became my favorite.

Of course, we have our favorite subs and we always order their #13 sub, Mike's Way, and their #17 Mike's Famous Philly. For one thing, they always ask if you want it Mike's Way. Mike's Way is a combination of oil and vinegar mix comparable to an Italian Mix. You might call it nostalgic or wishful but eating our favorite subs at Jersey Mike's brings back those wonderful childhood memories of happy days enjoying hoagies with family and friends.

Consequently, when we do get the chance to travel from Texas to Pennsylvania, the first restaurant we go to is that hoagie restaurant for our hoagies, potato chips, Middlesworth, and birch beer. The grandkids agree that Jersey Mike's subs are just as good if not better than the hoagies from their grandmother's past.

Notably, it seemed like forever and for the longest time, we had to travel quite a long distance to have our favorite subs that would remind me of my childhood hoagies. Approximately five years ago, Jersey Mike's opened a location here in Denton, Texas. The casual restaurant has been a gathering place for lunch or dinner. After youth baseball games, during our local major league sports team's games and playoff games, or any watch party, Jersey Mike's is our go-to place. In addition, we love to celebrate birthdays and to celebrate accomplishments at the restaurant enjoying our two favorite subs. On occasion, we have tried one of their many other choices, but we always go back to our #13 and #17 subs.

In addition, Jersey Mike's gives you a great selection of bread to choose from for your sub; plus, you can always count on their meats and vegetables being fresh. If you don't want all the topping on your sub, you can always ask for the pickles, peppers, or onion to be on the side. Then, the topping is placed in very small individual containers. Of course, individual size chips of your choice and cookies too, you can please any member of your family or group. Jersey Mike's gives you plenty of choices. With the fountain drinks being self-serve, you will find your favorite Pepsi products and refills are free. Really, who wouldn't love this comfortable, clean, and casual restaurant that is family-friendly?

Last year, right before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, we ordered six large subs and had a spontaneous party for our family. During the lockdown, the days dragged on with depressing nightly news forecasts. Restaurants were closed. Then, when restaurants opened after lockdown and could have 25 percent capacity, we utilized Jersey Mike's delivery service several times.

If all is back to normal by June, the first restaurant that we will all meet at will be Jersey Mike's. Where the guy's behind the counter are ready to make any sub you desire. The cheerful clean restaurant is always welcoming. With their great wall decor, surfboards and beach pictures, and their televisions at sporting events, you can find plenty of tables or tables you can move around to accommodate a family of four, six, nine. or more.

While your choice of restaurants might be fine dining, my choice is family casual. In my opinion, Jersey Mike's is the best family restaurant. It's definitely my favorite restaurant. Hands down, it is our family's favorite restaurant too.

humanity
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About the Creator

Babs Iverson

Barbara J Iversen, also known as Babs Iverson, lives in Texas and loves her grandkids to the moon and back. After writing one story, she found that writing has many benefits especially during a pandemic and a Texas-size Arctic Blast.

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Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!

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Comments (4)

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  • Mike Singleton - Mikeydredabout a month ago

    Just revisited this, now I can comment

  • Denise E Lindquist4 months ago

    I know I've seen this restaurant. But was it in MN? I will have to check into that. Being gluten-free, I usually get soup and a salad, so it's not the same. We have subway, Erberts and Gerberts, and Jimmy Johns for sure. I am guessing our big cities may have a Jersey Mikes.

  • Oh goodness! Now I'm craving for a sub, lol! I enjoyed reading this!

  • Dawn Saloisabout a year ago

    Very enjoyable read, Babs! I loved hearing about your childhood experiences. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Jersey Mike’s, but I’ll definitely have to check it out now.

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