This longtime sandwich shop closed in Meridian. Opening soon instead? ‘A sub above’
A ubiquitous sandwich chain that closed a familiar shop in Meridian soon will be replaced by another one.
But the new restaurant, as its slogan promises, will strive to be “a sub above.”
Jersey Mike’s plans to open April 1 at 663 S. Main St., suite 101, according to local franchise owner Travis Trask. That date depends on final inspections. But if you’re craving a hot, loaded Big Kahuna cheesesteak, you know when to start slowing down to scout the situation as you drive past. (It’s near a handful of other restaurant chains, plus locally owned Flying Pie Pizzaria.)
Until it pulled the plug, that Subway had been there for a long time; Idaho Statesman archives trace it back as far as 2009, but it could be longer. Still, it’s hard not to consider this chain swap an upgrade.
Yes, Jersey Mike’s is spendier than Subway. (Call me Unc, but I miss the golden era of Subway’s $5 footlong.) But it feels like the axiom “you get what you pay for” applies. I shall defer to a 2024 article from Mashed titled, “Jersey Mike’s Vs Subway: Which Is Better?“ The verdict after scarfing down food and comparing costs? “Jersey Mike’s offers a better dining experience overall.”
Last summer, another notable food website, Eat This, Not That, named Jersey Mike’s No. 1 in a guide to the “7 Best Sandwich Chains in America.” One might question how scientific this ranking was, despite the article’s splashy graphic about being “evidence-based.” After all, the entire write-up about Jersey Mike’s consisted of quotes from a Subreddit discussion.
But come on. Does the following paragraph not make you, like, jump right on the bandwagon with Danny DeVito?
“In a Reddit feed,” Eat This, Not That wrote, “diners debated the best sandwich chains in the country. ‘Jersey Mike’s and it’s not even close,’ one responded. ‘Yep. 100%,’ another agreed. What makes it so great? People love their sub rolls and the cold cuts are ‘sliced to order,’ says a Redditor. ‘As fresh as you can get at a chain.’ What should you order? ‘13 Original Italian or #56 Big Kahuna (I add chipotle mayo) are my Jersey Mike’s go to sandwiches. I have never found a national chain that comes close to them,’ one revealed.”
Remember, Meridian, no joke: April 1 for your newest Jersey Mike’s.
Added Trask: “I’m feeling hopeful we’ll stay on that date.”
