Don's Subs in McHenry making a comeback with former owner's son in command

When Ron Folz was a child, he spent afternoons working shifts at his parents’ restaurant, Don’s Submarine on Green Street.

“I went up and down the street with their menus,” he said. “I said, ‘These are the best subs you have ever had. You have to try them.’ ”

His parents, Don and Arlys Folz, founded Don’s Submarine in the early 1970s in a 600-square-foot storefront in downtown McHenry. The Folz family closed shop 28 years later, amid Don’s health issues. Don Folz died in 2013, and his son now plans to bring back his legacy.

“My dad has passed away. My brother has passed away,” Ron Folz said. “This is kind of for them.”

Ron Folz, along with business partners Cary Kern and Lisa Brown, are in the process of renovating a 1,300-square-foot unit at 323 Front St. in The Fountains shopping center. The owners hope to open Don’s Subs by Nov. 6.

Don’s Subs will feature a menu brimming with classic recipes from the original Don’s Submarine, including specialties such as the Torpedo, Gondola and Launcher subs which all feature a variety of meats such as ham, bologna and different kinds of salamis with fresh vegetables and an original blend of spices.

“We will be bringing back some memories,” Ron Folz said.

Kern was born and raised in McHenry and used to ride his bike to the sub shop from his parents’ Marathon gas station three times a week for lunch.

“All I knew was Don’s Submarine growing up,” Kern said.

The original restaurant drew in a following, from nearby businesspeople who stopped by daily for lunch to McHenry District 156 high schoolers, who used to come by the shop to catch an afternoon soap opera and chat with Arlys Folz, who some dubbed as an honorary mother.

Ron Folz hopes to foster the same kind of atmosphere in the new shop.

“My parents brought me up in the restaurant,” Ron Folz said. “That is the main thing we want to keep. It’s a family restaurant.”

Arlys Folz said she was proud to see her son carry on the family business and gave her blessing on the undertaking.

“It’s marvelous,” she said. “I am sure Don would be – or is – pleased.”