After recently circulating 10,000 coupons for $1 sub sandwiches, Jersey Mike’s Subs is reaping the benefits with an influx of customers to its new location at 505 E. Green St. 

Since its opening on March 13, the East Coast-style sub shop has already seen a steady rush of customers, said G Abu Saba, restaurant co-owner.

“Business is absolutely great,” Abu Saba said. “We did a fundraiser for the Eastern Illinois Foodbank for our grand opening, which allowed customers to buy all sandwiches for $1. Since then, we’ve seen a solid flow of business.”

The shop’s partnership with the Eastern Illinois Foodbank during its grand opening gave the business a “great opportunity for us to open our doors and support a great local cause,” said Tony Rubba, co-owner.

“We feel so privileged to bring Jersey Mike’s to the students at the University of Illinois,” Rubba said in a restaurant press release. “There is such an incredible vibe on this campus, and we look forward to being an integral part of this campus community.  

Abu Saba said the Chipotle Cheese Steak, the Big Kahuna Cheese Steak and the Club Supreme Sub served “Mike’s Way” have already emerged as customer favorites. All cold subs come with the option of being served “Mike’s Way,” a specialty of the shop, which tops the sandwiches with onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar and spices. 

The restaurant prides itself on using only privately-labeled meats and cheeses, and bread baked in-store, according to the press release. 

Priyanka Patel, junior in LAS, said she has a Jersey Mike’s in her hometown and was excited to see that one was opening in Champaign.

“The Club Supreme is definitely my favorite,” Patel said. “I eat there all the time, so I’m really glad they’ve finally brought one on campus.”

Abu Saba and Rubba made the decision to open the restaurant in Champaign last summer. The two owners had already opened a Jersey Mike’s in Springfield, Ill., and after seeing the phenomenal business it brought, they identified Champaign as a potential market. 

“I knew the area well because I attended basketball games and visited my friends here all the time when I was younger,” Abu Saba said. 

According to the restaurant’s website, over 600 stores have opened nationwide since the 1956 founding of the shop on the Jersey Shore, and the franchise will continue to expand with nearly 50 locations opening in the next few months.

Abu Saba said that based on the restaurants’ performance in Springfield and Champaign, tentative plans are in place to open branches off-campus, as well as in Bloomington, Ill. and Peoria, Ill. 

Janice Ng, sophomore in DGS, said she has seen Jersey Mike’s in other parts of the country, and is happy that they are continuing to expand.

“I’ve seen a lot more Jersey Mike’s popping up in California, where I’m from,” Ng said. “It’s awesome because they make really great subs with ingredients that I know I can trust.”

With the influx of sandwich shops on campus, most would worry about competition. However, Abu Saba believes that Jersey Mike’s will get their “share of the pie.”

“We do things differently at Jersey Mike’s,” he said. “It’s unique and original. Our customers know that, and I think that really sets us apart.”

Jolie can be reached at [email protected].