You may’t go improper with a sandwich. That’s what most People suppose, anyway. In truth, in response to the US Division of Agriculture, on any given day within the US, practically 50 p.c of adults eat at the very least one sandwich for lunch or dinner. There are, after all, many various kinds of sandwiches. However among the many hottest must be the sub—or the po’boy, in the event you’re in Louisiana, the hoagie in the event you’re in Philadelphia, or the spuckie in the event you’re in Boston.
The nation’s favourite foot-long sandwich goes by many names, however all over the place you go, it’s primarily a variation on the identical factor: layers upon layers of chilly cuts, sauces, cheeses, and salad greens all squashed collectively in a scrumptious roll, which is formed like a submarine (therefore the nickname “sub”).
And one of the well-liked locations to seize a sub is undeniably Jersey Mike’s Subs. In 2018, it gained an award for being America’s fastest-growing restaurant chain for 4 years in a row. However what in the event you’re vegan? Can you continue to take pleasure in a sandwich at this New Jersey-headquartered chain? It seems, whereas the menu is fairly meat- and cheese-heavy, there are some plant-based choices. Right here, we’ve gathered the whole lot vegan at Jersey Mike’s. However first, what’s so particular about this specific sandwich chain?
What’s Jersey Mike’s Subs?
It is perhaps a sandwich big now, with greater than 3,000 shops throughout the nation, however as soon as upon a time (effectively, the Fifties to be actual), Jersey Mike’s was a small mom-and-pop enterprise in Level Nice, NJ. Again then, it was known as Mike’s Subs, and it was run by an area businessman named (you guessed it) Mike.
Based on Jersey Mike’s, Mike’s Subs constructed up a repute within the space for its distinctive service and high quality. “Individuals would line up all through the summer time to purchase the sub sandwiches that Mike was promoting, and to benefit from the expertise of coming into his store,” the chain’s web site reads. “For over half a decade, he constructed the enterprise right into a thriving landmark, and was a pioneer of the genuine subs sandwich.”
Jersey Mike’s
Within the Seventies, Mike ended up promoting the shop to his 17-year-old worker, and main sub sandwich fan, Peter Cancro. Collectively along with his spouse Linda, {the teenager} constructed the enterprise to what it’s as we speak: a nationwide billion-dollar sandwich chain that has even appeared in a Jennifer Lopez music video (we’re not kidding).
“[I want to take Jersey Mike’s] all around the planet,” Cancro advised QSR in 2015. “I have a look at it globally. I really like Paris and Rome, personally, however our first worldwide places will most likely be in Canada and the Caribbean Islands.” Eleven years on from that interview, it has three worldwide spots (two in Ontario, Canada, and one in Mexico).
Whereas Cancro is not Jersey Mike’s CEO, he stays chairman of the board of administrators.
How you can order vegan at Jersey Mike’s Subs
Jersey Mike’s may need huge ambitions, an fascinating backstory, and a well-liked menu, however does it cater to vegans in addition to meat- and cheese sandwich lovers? The reply is: positive, sort of. There isn’t a vegan as is sub choice on the menu (but), however with a little bit of customizing, vegans can take pleasure in a chew of Jersey Mike’s, too. Right here’s how.
Jersey Mikes
1 The Veggie (no cheese)
If you happen to’re after a chilly sub, there may be one meatless choice on the menu, known as The Veggie. You’ll must request it with out the cheese (it comes with layers of provolone and Swiss) and make sure you ask for a vegan bread choice. That is the one menu choice appropriate for vegans with only a few modifications—nevertheless, you possibly can at all times construct your personal sub.
2 Bread
A very powerful a part of constructing a sandwich is the bread, after all. And Jersey Mike’s has one appropriate for vegans: white bread. Choose places additionally carry Seeded Italian Bread, one other vegan-friendly choice.The gluten-free bread is sadly not vegan as a result of it incorporates egg, and the wheat bread incorporates honey.
3 Scorching toppings
Whereas numerous the recent toppings on supply at Jersey Mike’s should not vegan (we’re speaking steak, American cheese, rooster, smoked bacon, you realize the drill), there are some choices which are completely animal-free. These includemushrooms, peppers, onions, and tomato sauce.
Jersey Mike’s
4 Chilly toppings
In the case of chilly toppings, keep away from the chilly cuts and Swiss cheese, and go for salad greens like lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. There are additionally toppings like guacamole, pickles, peppers, and herbs like oregano to select from.
5 Sauces
If you’re constructing a great-tasting sandwich, the filling is necessary, after all. However in the event you’re working with solely greens, then selecting the best sauce can also be essential. At Jersey Mike’s, you possibly can select from mustard, tomato sauce, an olive oil mix, and pink wine vinegar.
Jersey Mike’s
6 Sides and drinks
And at last, a sandwich order isn’t full with out the precise facet. Jersey Mike’s affords a number of potato chips to select from, lots of that are vegan (like Lay’s Traditional and Lay’s Salt & Vinegar, for instance). Pair together with your favourite fountain drink for a whole meal.
For extra plant-based tales like this, learn:
Charlotte is a VegNews editor and author primarily based in sunny Southsea on England’s southern coast.
