In November 2025, it was announced that Jersey Mike’s Subs will open a location in Allendale. While an opening date is yet to be announced, those behind the deal say construction will be completed later this year. 

The new location is next to Jet’s Pizza on Lake Michigan Drive, only a three-minute drive from the Valley Campus. Student reaction appears mixed, with some glad to have more dining options but others wishing for a more diverse array of food and easier accessibility.

Construction has begun at the site, and will add to over 3,500 Jersey Mike’s locations across the United States. Following the transition to new CEO Charlie Morrison in April 2025, Jersey Mike’s is planning to open additional locations nationwide this year.

Chandler Kennell, the real estate broker behind the Allendale Jersey Mike’s deal, said the location was a natural fit with its proximity to GVSU. 

“Lake Michigan Drive is a strong commercial corridor serving both the Allendale community and Grand Valley State University,” Kennell said. “It’s a natural fit for restaurants and service businesses that benefit from steady daily traffic from students, faculty and local residents.” 

Student Jack Tamialis was happy to see a restaurant he frequented in high school be announced for Allendale.

“I am very excited about this,” Tamialis said. “I used to go to Jersey Mike’s a ton when I was in high school. When I came to (GVSU), I was surprised that it and other (restaurants) were either nonexistent or super far away.”

Student Justin Anderson said that while he is excited about the news, there are already numerous sandwich shops on the Valley Campus and in the surrounding Allendale area. Anderson said he is worried Jersey Mike’s may not be able to compete with on-campus dining options like Fresh and Blue Connection, which students don’t have to have transportation to access.

“Jersey Mike’s isn’t a bad choice, but if it’s not going to be on campus, no one is going to (say), ‘Let me go off campus three miles,’ especially if they don’t have a car,” said Anderson.

Tamialis, however, believes Jersey Mike’s will be able to compete with on-campus dining options due to longer open hours. He also pointed to Jimmy John’s, another off-campus shop that consistently draws GVSU students. 

The addition of a Jersey Mike’s to the Allendale area will also provide students with a new food choice for vegetarian options. According to Laker Food Co., 50% of all on-campus dining options are either vegetarian or vegan. However, it can still be difficult for students to find meatless dishes, which may be eased by the new restaurant. Additionally, Jersey Mike’s will provide a gluten-free menu option.