What Happens If You Ask For A Jersey Mike's Sub 'Toasted'?
The best fast-casual dining establishments seamlessly combine convenience with quality ingredients. This is the case at Jersey Mike's, which first opened its doors in 1956 when it was just a humble sandwich shop located in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. The restaurant grew and expanded over the decades until it became the chain people know and love today. A large part of the appeal has to do with the establishment's insistence on premium quality ingredients, from the meat and cheese to the veggies and dressings. Despite their dedication to quality, the chain is pretty set in its ways when customers request a toasted sub.
The restaurant does offer a wide selection of hot and cold sandwiches. However, upon perusing the menu, customers will find that hot and cold subs are in two separate categories. No worries, you think to yourself, this is 2023. All subs can be conveniently toasted to my liking. I can enjoy cold cuts warm. It is my right as an American and a citizen of planet Earth. While Jersey Mike's staff might admire your optimism, there is one thing they won't do: heat your cold sub.
Where do you think you are, Subway?
There is a straightforward reason why Jersey Mike's does not toast subs upon customer request. It's simply not part of Jersey Mike's methodology (according to the restaurant's FAQ page). Additionally, staff members are not trained to toast subs. Toasting subs seems pretty straightforward, especially at a sandwich shop, but it bears repeating that toasting is not part of Jersey Mike's culinary philosophy.
There is a caveat that may instill hope in those looking for a warmed-up sub. The FAQ page also states that each store owner can use their "discretion" when it comes to grilling bread, as locations are "individually owned and operated." That means it's possible for staff at one location to be on board with grilling while another may doggedly adhere to Jersey Mike's rule book. This sentiment is also upheld by employees and customers of the establishment, who claim that success with the grilling request can be hit or miss depending on which location you visit.
Ask you shall (maybe) receive a warm sub
Despite Jersey Mike's anti-toasting policy, some on social media say that certain kindly employees may take mercy on heat-seeking sub-lovers. According to a Reddit thread, commenters claiming to be employees of the chain say that it's sometimes possible for meat, cheese, and bread to be grilled. According to one comment, "corporate discourages people from doing it," but that doesn't always mean it's a no-go. Some employees will go the extra mile to heat subs, although there are no guarantees.
Along with staff members of Jersey Mike's, customers participating in the thread also chime in to claim that they've been able to get their cold subs heated on the grill. Of course, you can cut out the middleman (and uncertainty) by ordering one of the chain's many hot subs. Selections include #64 (grilled portabella, mushroom, and Swiss), #44 (Buffalo cheesesteak), or #16 (Mike's Chicken Philly). While the hot subs don't offer the same expansive selection as the cold subs, they're still pretty tasty when you're looking to sate your appetite with the winning combination of meat, cheese, and bread.