St. Charles man opens Jersey Mike's Subs in Geneva

GENEVA – A year of work and preparation ended Wednesday for St. Charles resident Jim Shipman as he opened the Tri-Cities' first Jersey Mike's Subs franchise.

"It is hard to believe," he said Wednesday morning as his employees prepared for their first day of business.

Located at 1770 S. Randall Road in the former Dunkin' Donuts store, the Geneva shop is Jersey Mike's Subs' ninth franchise in the Chicago suburbs.

The chain began in 1956 with one store in Point Pleasant, N.J. Franchises began opening in the late 1980s. Now, more than 450 stores are open nationwide, according to the company's website.

Shipman said he pursued opening a Jersey Mike's Subs after a 25-year career with another nationwide restaurant chain. He left because he felt like that path had run its course, he said.

Competition from the area's other sub shops doesn't bother him.

"Our product we feel is … unique, so we're not worried about any other sandwich shops," Shipman said, explaining Jersey Mike's Subs bakes its bread daily, slices the meat for each sandwich as it is ordered, uses a blend of oil, vinegar and seasoning, and trims, ties and roasts all of its roast beef.

In addition to hot and cold subs, Jersey's Mike's Subs also serves wraps, soups and salads. Catering is also available.

For the grand opening, the restaurant will collect money through Sunday for the Geneva High School All Sports Boosters. Anyone with a fundraising coupon can get a free regular sub with a $1 minimum donation. About 4,000 coupons were distributed, Shipman said.

He and his wife, Janet, have lived in St. Charles for 11 years. Their sons, Nick, 15, and Kyle, 13, attend St. Charles North High School and Haines Middle School, respectively.

If you go

What: Jersey Mike's Subs
Where: 1770 S. Randall Road, Geneva
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
For fast food takeout: 630-845-9000
Web site: www.jerseymikes.com