Jersey Mike's Subs Set to Open January on 95th Street

OAK LAWN, IL -- What do Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen and Tony Soprano have in common with Jersey Mike’s? They’re all from New Jersey.

The nation’s fastest growing restaurant chain is bringing its Jersey shore sub sandwich experience to the Oak Lawn. Opening in 1956 as a mom-and-pop-owned shop called Mike’s Subs in Pleasant Point, NJ, Jersey Mike’s offers one of the nation’s authentic subs, says franchise owner Kyle Shimmon.

“Midwesterners are used to light mayo,” Shimmon said. “Jersey Mike’s signature toppings are onion, lettuce, tomato, red wine vinegar, olive oil and spices. The vinegar and oil set the flavor.”

Shimmon and his father own 12 stores in the Chicago area, including Palos Heights and Orland Park. The new location is tentatively set to open Jan. 18 at 4807 W. 95th St.

“People have been begging us to open in Oak Lawn,” Shimmon said. “We’re starting to get involved in the community. We’re really impressed with how committed and community-centric people are in the village.”

Jersey Mike’s offers sliced fresh to order cold subs and hot subs, including classic Italian and American, turkey, BLT and roast beef subs. The menu also features hot subs grilled fresh to order, including a variety of beef and chicken Phillys, chicken parm, pastrami reubens, and meatball and meatball and cheese.

Jersey Mike’s is always looking for local non-profits to bring on as fundraising partners. The Shimmons are planning to distribute free sub cards with a $2 donation throughout the community. Guests will be able to direct their $2 donation Park Lawn Services, Richards High School or Oak Lawn Community High School.

“We’re philanthropic,” Shimmon said. “We want to be more of the fabric of the community than a business.”

This Thursday, Dec. 29, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jersey Mike’s will be holding open interviews at its new Oak Lawn location, 4807 W. 95th St., on the southwest corner of 95th Street and Cicero Avenue. There is parking in the rear and the restaurant can be accessed through the parking lot. Interviews will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with some on -the-spot hiring. For more information, call 708-253-5170.