Galloway's Chicago Subs expands into Meijer store in Algonquin

ALGONQUIN – A family-owned sub sandwich shop that began six years ago in Crystal Lake recently expanded into Algonquin, a move meant to add convenience for a growing number of customers.

Galloway’s Chicago Subs officially opened its second location on Black Friday within the Meijer grocery store in Algonquin, 400 S. Randall Road, owner Judy Galloway said. The move makes it easier for customers in the Algonquin area to enjoy the shop’s subs, paninis, sandwiches and soups, she said.

It also should draw new customers to the store. Meijer in Algonquin attracts about 3,500 customers a day, Galloway said.

“They are happy to see us on the other side of town,” she said. “We have a great customer base in Crystal Lake and now, we’ve made it easier for our customers in Algonquin.”

Since 2009, Galloway's Chicago Subs has operated within a strip mall at 1295 Randall Road in Crystal Lake, about three miles north of the Meijer grocery store.

The large Galloway family – six members in total – maintained and managed the Crystal Lake shop despite some highs and lows, including slumping sales during the Rakow Road expansion a couple years ago. Judy Galloway brought more than 30 years in the food service industry to the business.

The family invested upwards of $80,000 to renovate its new location within the Meijer store in Algonquin, gutting a former vision center to add equipment, new flooring and furnishings. The “huge build-out” was completed in five weeks, Galloway said.

The new location, she said, is ideal for customers who either want a break from shopping or a quick meal on the go.

Situated near the front checkout lanes at Meijer, the location offers seating and a casual environment for customers, Galloway said.

“Customers in Algonquin can stop right there, pick up their subs before they go home and not have to drive up the road to see us,” Galloway said. “It’s perfect for them.”