Jersey Mike’s Subs is planning to open a new location in Allendale, approximately a three-minute drive from the Valley Campus. The new shop will be located in the Allendale Crossings Shopping Center in between Jet’s Pizza and Great Clips.
The opening date for the new shop has not been announced yet, but according to the commercial real estate agency representing the buyer, plans are currently in the construction document phase. The announcement highlights the growth of the business and residential area along Lake Michigan Drive, and signals the business sector’s growing interest in the University, especially considering GVSU recently posted record numbers for economic impact in West Michigan.
The sub shop will seek to offer an alternative to campus dining options. Student reactions to the news has been mostly positive, as some students will have the opportunity to experience Jersey Mike’s for the first time. Still, the sub sandwich remains a popular choice for student consumption.
“Sub sandwiches are something I always tend to get, but I usually get them from Subway,” said Josh Boggess, a student studying hospitality at GVSU. “Having Jersey Mike’s would be sweet because I personally have never gotten to try Jersey Mike’s yet, but I have heard good things about it.”
Jersey Mike’s has a wide variety of menu options and offers cold and hot sandwiches, as well as catering. Still, other students, while welcoming the addition of more businesses to the Allendale community, have other preferences regarding their sandwiches.
“It should have been a Boardwalk Subs,” said student Lucas Hiltz. “The bread is just better there.”
The restaurant includes vegetarian options among its menu items, like provolone and green-pepper subs, which pre-law student Sara Reilly is excited about exploring.
“I would absolutely say I am a fan of veggie subs,” Reilly explained. “I typically get my veggie subs from Jimmy John’s just because of location convenience, but I would love to try one from Jersey Mike’s.”
Those who have become tired of current options welcome the addition of a sub shop with vegetarian options. There are typically fewer vegetarian options in general for those with dietary restrictions.
“In the past few years at GVSU I have found there are certainly some vegetarian options, but I have found myself struggling at times to find something to eat that I enjoy,” Reilly said. “Typically, vegetarian options are always limited and a bit repetitive, and having the opportunity to be offered more plant-based items would be helpful for convenience and for my diet.”
The multinational chain, headquartered in New Jersey, has over 3,500 locations. Jersey Mike’s Allendale location will join other locations in the West Michigan area, including shops in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Wyoming, Walker, Holland and Grand Haven.
