The Jersey Mike’s Subs experience has hit Guelph as part of a massive expansion that includes the opening of 300 locations across Canada.
With more than 4,000 locations open and in development, the popular American-based sandwich brand serves fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread, using the same recipe since 1956.
But, Jersey Mike’s says, it believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference, can be one and the same.
A passion for giving back to their local communities is reflected in the company’s mission statement 'giving…making a difference in someone’s life'.
On Monday, company executives, supporters, city councillor Leanne Caron and representatives from the Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington celebrated the newest location with a ribbon cutting at 435 Stone Rd. W. As part of a five-day fundraiser for the ‘Keep Kids Fed’ program.
“Canadians are proving to love the Jersey Mike’s experience, and our reception in the Ontario communities we now serve has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic,” said Ken Otto, CEO, of Redberry Restaurants.
Redberry currently runs more than 190 restaurants across the country, operating under the Burger King, Taco Bell and Jersey Mike's Subs brands.
“We’re excited to bring ‘a sub above’ to Guelph and support great local organizations like the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington in keeping with our mission to make a difference in the communities we serve,” Otto said.
Fundraising coupons were distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the grand opening on Wednesday Jan. 8. Customers can make a minimum $3 contribution to the Children's Foundation of Guelph & Wellington’s ‘Keep Kids Fed’ program in exchange for a regular sub.
“We are in the business of trying to do good in the community and I love that for Jersey Mike’s, ‘good goes beyond the sub’,” says Karen Kirkwood, executive director of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph & Wellington.
“Even before you open your doors, you’ve already thought about how you can give back to the local community.”
Customers without a coupon will have a limited-time opportunity to download the Jersey Mike’s app and earn a free regular sub after their first in-app sub purchase and will also be able to support the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington Keep Kids Fed Program via a donation box near the register.
“We feed 15,000 to 20,000 kids everyday at schools in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin, and feeding about 500 children in really high need or high food insecurity homes over the weekends and school breaks,” Kirkwood said.
“The ripple effect that you will have in the community is phenomenal. You are not only filling their bellies with good food, but it really helps them feel loved and cared for. That in itself is just a tremendous gift.”
This is the fourth Jersey Mike’s that Redberry has opened since August 2024. Other locations have opened in Markham, North York and Brantford and locations in Toronto’s Union Station and Pickering are coming early in the new year.
The six Ontario locations will employ nearly 180 crew members. Redberry also owns two existing and recently remodelled Jersey Mike’s in Kitchener and London.
The Guelph location will employ 35 in total.
“We have been training them for about seven to eight days. We’ve had a lot of fun watching them learn how to make a sub and understand that they are not just making a sub, but a sub above,” said Jersey Mike’s brand director, Paul Pascal.
“This includes how we wrap, sprinkle, slice and all the various things that go into it. It sounds pretty simple, but a lot of effort goes on in the background.”
On Wednesday, Guelph sub lovers will have the opportunity to try the authentic fresh sliced and fresh grilled sub sandwiches at the iconic brand's grand opening.
“We are super excited to be in Guelph. It’s been a long time coming. We took our time building this store. It is a large location. It certainly gives us the opportunity to facilitate the needs of the community in a big big way,” Pascal said.
The new general manager at Jersey Mike’s Guelph, Shadoe O’Dell, has prepared for his new role for four months, and has received the real Jersey Mike’s experience while training in the U.S.
“It’s a great company. Everything I have learned, it has been nothing but positive. I couldn’t see why I wouldn’t want to be part of this team,” O’Dell said.
“I am happy to be here because Jersey Mike’s is such a passionate company that really wants to give back and take care of people.”
As one of the larger locations, O’Dell says he can’t wait to open.
“And with being here, I am expecting this place to be unbelievably busy,” he said.
“I’ve worked for companies that are nice and slow but I want to be busy with lots of people working, have jobs for people in this area, and just keep us going.”
Jersey Mike’s meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled on in-store baked bread.
Subs are made with fresh vegetables, onions, lettuce and tomatoes, along with the zing of ‘the juice’ a red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend, topped off with signature spices. Authentic cheesesteaks are also grilled fresh to order.
Restaurant hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Orders can be placed in-store, on the Jersey Mike's app, online at www.jerseymikes.ca, and on national delivery apps. Catering orders are also welcome.
“We make everything fresh. We slice the meat fresh right in front of you. We are picky about every little detail. If it’s not perfect, it’s not going on the sub. We slice the subs to order. And we make em big,” O’Dell said.
“We don't have a ‘little’ 12 inch sub. We have a 14 and 15 inch sub. We fill it up, and they always look pretty."
