Jersey Mike’s Subs cuts the ribbon on new Loves Park location
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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LOVES PARK — Local franchise owners and The Parks Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon on Friday on the area’s newest Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Father-and-son Steve and Brian Sobieski brought the sub sandwich franchise to 1521 E. Riverside Blvd., suite 3, which is at the southwest corner of Forest Hills Road and Riverside in First Midwest Group’s Loves Park Crossings. The shopping center also has Tahini’s, Starbucks, Verizon and other businesses.
“What makes us different from any other fast food chain or restaurant, I think, in the country is we genuinely want to serve you. We are happy to serve you, and it’s really fun while doing it,” Brian Sobieski said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We’re not just making a sandwich, we’re trying to make your day better.”
The Sobieskis also own the Jersey Mike’s at 1920 Gateway Center Drive Belvidere, which opened in November 2024.
Jersey Mike’s serves fresh-sliced meats and cheeses on bread baked in store. Its signature is to serve subs the “Mike’s Way” with sliced meats and fresh vegetables – onions, lettuce and tomatoes – topped off with a zing of “the juice,” a red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend. It also offers freshly grilled hot subs and cheesesteaks.
For its grand opening weekend, Jersey Mike’s is raising money to support Guilford High School’s athletics program. Approximately 9,000 donation cards were handed out at the start of the week. Customers with a card can make a minimum $3 donation in exchange for a regular sub.
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Brian Sobieski said they wanted to give back to nearby high schools. They started with Guilford and plan to later raise money for Harlem High School.
“This is more than just a place to have an amazing sub. It’s a place that brings jobs, supports our community, and is another gathering place for connections and friends and family,” said Julie Altenbernd, president of the Parks Chamber of Commerce board.
Jersey Mike’s was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, as Mike’s Subs. Peter Cancro, who worked there as a high school student, bought it in 1975 and began franchising in 1987. The restaurant chain now has approximately 4,000 locations either open or in development.
Info | Jersey Mike’s in Loves Park
Where: 1521 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Phone: 779-210-2130
Online: jerseymikes.com
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at [email protected] or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
