Jersey Mike’s is owner’s second area sub shop

CORI SMELKER, Star Contributor
03/27/2024 06:00 AM

Boerne Police Department Lt. Chris Walk is among opening-day customers at the new Jersey Mike’s in Boerne.

South Main Street saw increased traffic last week when Jersey Mike’s, home of the Subway sandwich, officially opened.

Along with the Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce and members of the Boerne Police Department, members of the public came to sample and buy freshly cut and prepared subway sandwiches.

In 1956, Mike’s Submarines opened in Point Pleasant, New Jersey — hence, Jersey Mike’s — one of the first submarine sandwich spots in the country.

Last week, local franchise owner Joe Fernandez opened his second store in the sub sandwich chain right here in Boerne.

Fernandez said he fell in love with Jersey Mike’s almost a decade ago, and his wife persuaded him to open a store. They own the Jersey Mike’s store in Leon Springs, and when he looked to expand his ownership, he knew he wanted to be in the middle of a community.

“I had my choice of locations along the I-10 corridor, but I wanted to be a part of a community where we can make a difference,” Fernandez said. After searching for a few months, they found their current location, just off Main Street, close enough to I-10 but still in the heart of Boerne.

With a plethora of other subway sandwich stores, what sets Jersey Mike’s apart?

General Manager Ray Ramirez, right, trains John Thomas Brant, a shift manager, during the store’s opening March 20.

According to Fernandez, it’s high-quality meats and cheeses sliced right in front of the customer, as well as store-baked bread, fresh vegetables, and condiments. The “Juice” — red wine vinegar and olive oil blend — also sets the subs apart from their competitors.

The team behind the counter was hard at work before the 9:45 a.m. chamber ribbon-cutting and 10 a.m. opening time, filling a catering order. Fernandez said he is proud of the team he has in place; his general manager from the Leon Springs store will manage the Boerne location, and several team members from that store were on hand to train the new staff.

Jersey Mike’s offers a distinctly different experience. “Skip the assembly line” and get ready for a taste of authentic Northeast subs crafted with quality ingredients, according to store promotional material.

Jersey Mike’s: a level of flavor and care that will leave you wanting to go back for another Mike’s masterpiece.

Franchise Owner Joe Fernandez, his wife, Erin, and their daughter Eliza take in the hustle and bustle of opening day.