Biz Q&A: Subs Done the 'Shore' Way at Jersey Mike's

Every week Plainfield Patch profiles a new business that has chosen to call Plainfield home.

Business name:

Address: 13400 S. Route 59, Plainfield, IL 60544

Owner’s name: Mark Cross

Phone number: 815-254-3432

Web site: www.jerseymikes.com

Opening date: Feb. 23, 2011

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Type of business: Submarine sandwich fast-food restaurant

Founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s prides itself on creating an authentic, fresh, high-quality submarine sandwich. With more than 500 locations nationwide, Jersey Mike’s makies its sandwiches right in front of you with fresh-cut meats and cheeses. Owner Mark Cross took time to answer a few questions about his business. 

Q: Why did Jersey Mike's chose Plainfield?

A: "We opened one of the first Jersey Mike’s stores in Illinois on 75th Street in Naperville, and had numerous requests from Plainfield customers to open a store in that vicinity. We were excited to bring the best sandwich in the country to the people of Plainfield.”

Q: What are some interesting facts about the Jersey Mike’s? 

A: “Everything is fresh sliced and fresh grilled. 'Mike’s Way' is the same recipe since 1956 on the Jersey Shore: sliced onion, lettuce, tomato, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend and spices.”

Q: Who is your most memorable customer, and why?

A: Howie Long, former NFL player and Fox-TV NFL football analyst. “On Mother’s Day 2009, Howie Long’s brother-in-law came in to the 75th Street store in Naperville to pick up sandwiches to feed his entire family, including Howie. The next morning I received an email from Howie raving about Jersey Mike’s. We immediately started communicating back and forth and bonded right away over similar life events and our common love for football.  We have been in contact ever since.”

Q: What’s one thing people wouldn’t expect you sell at your business? 

A: “Soup, potato salad, macaroni salad, cookies, brownies and our famous sweet tea!”