Jersey Mike's Subs Opens Route 1 Location

Pat Foley is glad to be back in the metropolitan Washington area.

Foley, an Arlington native who has been in the restaurant business since 1993, recently returned to the area after owning a California Tortilla restaurant in Williamsburg. Last week marked the opening of his newest venture, a Jersey Mike’s Subs at the Mount Vernon Plaza shopping center on Route 1.

“We’re happy to be in the area,” Foley said. “It’s a great, vibrant area, and the customers have all been very friendly. We’re happy to be open.”

Foley began his career in the restaurant industry as an assistant manager with Domino’s Pizza and became regional director for northern Virginia. He later bought a Domino’s franchise in Tacoma Park, Md., before opening the Williamsburg restaurant.

At Jersey Mike’s, Foley greets customers coming into or leaving the store and helps make sandwiches. He counted about 2,500 customers last week, he said. The restaurant employs 23 people.

Jersey Mike’s began with a single mom-and-pop deli on the Jersey Shore in 1956 and today has more than 500 stores open or in development nationwide. The restaurant uses certified Angus beef that is cooked on the premises, premium-brand meats and cheeses and fresh-baked bread.

The restaurant’s post popular sandwich is the original Italian cold sub, which includes provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni.

Last week, the restaurant participated in a fundraiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps members of the military who have been wounded in the line of duty. Customers were asked to make a donation of at least $1 to the project and received a free cold sub in return.

Foley said the restaurant gave away more than 1,500 free subs and raised approximately $2,000. “Customers were very generous,” he said.

Customer Brittany Glover of Mount Vernon stopped by the sub shop for lunch take-out for the first time Tuesday. Glover said she had heard about the restaurant through word of mouth.

“Someone told me they had good sandwiches and they’re fresh and they make it right in front of you,” she said. “So, I thought I’d try it.”

Her choice? The chipotle cheesesteak with chicken.

Customer Nora Izabuirre, who works at a dental office at the shopping center, dined in and chose the buffalo chicken sub. “It’s pretty good,” she said. “Good flavor.”

Izabuirre said she would definitely be visiting Jersey Mike’s again.

Jersey Mike’s also offers catering and online ordering.