Chris Russo first came across the Jimmy John's sandwich shop concept as a student at the University of Iowa. "There was a shop on campus that was open until 3 a.m. and they delivered all night," recalled Russo fondly.
After meeting his spouse and moving back to her roots in the metro area, Russo found himself missing the food he'd grown fond of, particularly the bread. "We make the best bread and we bake it here every day," he said. "It's what I call craveable bread."
Russo opened the first suburban Jimmy John's in Alpharetta, taking over a former 60-seat chicken and steak location at 875 N. Main St. There's already a sister operation in Midtown and another just opened in Buckhead. On the northside, he's kept the tradition of the freshly baked bread as well as the liberal delivery policy.
"We deliver within 3 miles, even if it's for one sub," said Russo enthusiastically. "It's freaky fast. Once you've tried it, your life will change."
The same speed applies to the in-house operation. Russo's goal is to hand over your sub before you've finished putting the change back in your wallet. "Especially at lunch, you're in a hurry and we know you need to be in and out quickly," he said. "We can even do party platters and boxed lunches in an hour. We want to blow you away with our fast service."
Subs, with and without
The bulk of the Jimmy John's menu starts with the aforementioned bread, akin to a French baguette. The 8-inch rolls are lined with tuna salad, ham and cheese, roast beef, turkey, salami, bacon or just cheese and are topped off with mayo, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, onions and oil and vinegar. Diners can have a bit of everything on the Gargantuan, a roll piled high with salami, ham, capicola, roast beef, turkey and provolone, then smothered in onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a splash of Italian dressing.There's also a selection of oversized club sandwiches, including the guy-favorite Italian Night Club with salami, capicola, smoked ham, provolone and optional hot peppers. Another favorite is the Beach Club, with turkey, cheese and avocado. But if you want to cut down on carbs, there's an "unwich" option — the same ingredients folded inside a lettuce wrap. Whether you're watching your waistline or not, the platters arrive with cookies, chips and pickles.
From the soda fountain
All the drinks are soft here, with the usual fountain drinks and plenty of sweet tea to quench your thirst.• Signature dish: Subs with sliced-daily meats and fresh-baked bread
• Entree prices: $4.45-$5.45
• Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays
• Reservations: No
• Credit cards: Yes
• Web site: www.jimmyjohns.com
