2009.07.31
New sandwich chain for the Roanoke Valley
The Roanoke Valley appears to be landing a new sandwich chain, Jimmy John's.
Driving down U.S. 460 recently, I saw a sign stating "Jimmy John's gourmet sandwiches coming soon." It's posted near the intersection of Blue Hills Drive and at the same parcel of land that is marketed for Blue Hills Village.
Blue Hills Village is supposed to have restaurants, a retail center, a hotel and a day care center, according to a sign at this Roanoke County site. Various land parcels there are for sale.
I do not have additional details about this planned business center and Jimmy John's. New Century Development Co. is listed as the developer of Blue Hills Village, but I could not reach the company by phone.
A spokeswoman for Jimmy John's also has not returned a call for comment for more details about a new Roanoke location. This sandwich chain is based in Illinois, and it has two New River Valley locations in Christiansburg and Blacksburg.
According to its Web site, Jimmy John's restaurants bake bread fresh each day. Its menu features a wide variety of sandwich fare, from 8-inch subs to giant subs and a low carb lettuce wrap.
If you're eaten at Jimmy John's, let me know what you think of it.
well let's hope this new sandwich chain can hold out their quality and customer service better than Geonettis downtown...............they have turned out to be just terrible
Comment by disappointed — July 31, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
Holy cow Jenny, you might have made me the happiest woman alive tonight! Jimmy John's is absolutly amazing! My husband and I just discovered JJ's in Richmond a few weeks ago and all we talk about is how great it would be if one came to Roanoke. One of the best parts about JJ's is that they deliver until 3 AM, not that I can stay awake past 9 or 10, but now just the idea of a great late night sub might keep me up!
Any idea when they are looking to open?
Thanks for your updates Jenny, I look forward to reading your blog each day!
Comment by Kara — July 31, 2009 @ 11:16 pm
Ate at one in Greensboro. Small menu, similar to Quizno's. Don't get too excited
Comment by jason — August 1, 2009 @ 8:42 am
I ate at the store in Christiansburg and did not think much of it. Nothing was wrong, but I personally think Subway or Firehouse is much better.
Comment by Valerie — August 1, 2009 @ 10:15 am
Jimmy John's is pretty good - good options and slightly higher quality than Subway.
What Roanoke really needs is a Potbelly - now that is an awesome and affordable sandwich chain. Tons around DC.
Comment by k — August 1, 2009 @ 10:52 am
I love Jimmy John's. Their sandwiches are good, but their delivery and customer service is awesome. They deliver sandwiches in record time, I've never had it take longer than 10 minutes to get a sandwich. And the guys who deliver are always very friendly. I'll be sure to try out the new location since it is closer to my house!
Comment by Jimmy — August 1, 2009 @ 5:33 pm
I have been to Jimmy Johns in blacksburg many times, and it is a frequent stop if I ever head north on I-81, as they have a location in Harrisonburg right off the interstate.
It's basically a sub shop, but what sets it apart from Quiznos, Subway and Firehouse? Well the bread for one. The bread is easily the best of the current Roanoke offerings. The portion sizes seem smaller than normal, but the price reflects it. Ultimately though, If its easy enough to get to, I'd drive out of my way for Jimmy Johns instead of hitting the Subway at the bottom of the hill.
This is good news!
Comment by scott — August 2, 2009 @ 12:44 am
There are two JJ's in the NRV. One off Main Street in BBurg and one in the shopping center with Starbuck's and Cold Stone Creamery.
Some stores deliver, and you can order on line. Food's not bad.
Comment by Adowntownbusiness — August 2, 2009 @ 2:15 am
Jimmy Johns has great food. My family and i have eaten at several of their locations. But, what we really want on 460 is a CHILI'S !!!
Comment by Greg — August 2, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Love Jimmy John's. Their sandwichs are 10X better than subway and so fresh. We eat there whenever we go to b'burg and it is a new family tradition to eat there at steppin'out.
Comment by Courtney — August 2, 2009 @ 1:36 pm
Thanks for the news. Question for you, Jenny. Any news on Cafe Madrid in Salem? It looks like it's closed, but there is no message on the door. Thanks. (I have $13 remaining on a gift certificate.)
Comment by Jim D — August 2, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
I wasn't all that impressed. I prefer Quizos.
Comment by Jay Allen — August 2, 2009 @ 3:09 pm
I have eaten at Jimmy John's once and that was years ago and I STILL talk about the bread. It was so fresh and delicious. I am very excited for this to open. The only downside is that the traffic to get to that location on Orange Ave can be awful.
Comment by Meghan — August 2, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Kara,
I'm not sure yet when Jimmy John's is planning to open. I'll keep you updated once I hear back from the chain's corporate office.
I didn't realize that Jimmy John's delivers, but it sounds like that's one of its popular services!
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — August 2, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
I'm glad something is finally going in there. Months ago, I began to feel sorry for that lonely, bot shaped rock. = )
I've heard mixed opinions also about Jimmy John's. If it is on par with Quiznos, Subway, then my money will continue to go to New York Subs in the Market and The New Yorker. Phenomenal sandwiches at those places. The only chain-esque sub I'll pay for is Zero's.
But that's just me.
Comment by Rich — August 3, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
This news made my day! Hands down Jimmy Johns is one of if not the best sub shop I have eaten at. Fresh bread, friendly people...and talk about fast? Holy cow they are blazing fast! Price is about the same as everywhere else. Subway= dull, potbelly= small menu, quiznos= super expensive, fire house= expensive and SLOW. Try this place once and you will love it.
Comment by Curt — August 3, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Jim D,
I have heard that Cafe Madrid in Salem has closed. Unfortunately, the reasons for its closing are unclear. Lindsey Nair, The Roanoke Times' food writer, mentioned this closing recently on her Fridge Magnet blog. Here's the link.
http://blogs.roanoke.com/rtblogs/fridgemagnet/2009/07/14/out-with-brambleton-blend/
Comment by Jenny Kincaid Boone — August 3, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I agree about the need for a Potbelly's down this way. Jimmy John's is overrated and the sandwiches have way less meat and cheese than Quizno's. The bread might be "baked fresh" but it's no different than the Ecce Panis bread you could pick up at Kroger. I could make a better sandwich myself.
Comment by Me — August 3, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Hi Jenny, I talked to Tina at the corporate office and she said it would be late Fall for an opening. Yeah!
Comment by Kari — August 3, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
I actually dig Jimmy John's, and miss them from when I used to live in Christiansburg. A good sandwich, a cut above the average chain sub. Blimpie is still my favorite (when you can find one), but Jimmy John's is a close second.
Comment by Jeff — August 4, 2009 @ 5:31 am
Jimmy Johns is fantastic. Their bread is amazing, tastes so fresh and they deliver! I'm excited this chain has made its way to Roanoke.
Comment by Lindsay — August 4, 2009 @ 9:41 am
You haven't lived until you've eaten an Elsie's sub in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Comment by frank scalzo — August 4, 2009 @ 11:05 am
There is a great little sub shop that is called Williamsburg Deli in Arlington,VA (on WIlliamsburg blvd) place is so small it has 2 or 3 2 person tables.. but they are soo good and good for the price too!
Comment by Scott — August 4, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
JJ's is nothing like Quizno's, no toasted sanwiches on their menu as I recall. Subs are $5 and they will deliever one sandwich!
Comment by watchdog — August 4, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
I went to Jimmy John's over the weekend in Blacksburg, and was unimpressed. It's pretty unremarkable overall, and the bread was stale. I was giving it a second chance, but there won't be a third, that's for sure.
Sub Shack (in Christiansburg) is much better. As far as chains, give me Quizno's any day!
Comment by Amy — August 5, 2009 @ 3:37 pm
One more thing that bugged me about Jimmy John's- the sandwiches and the subs were the same, just on different bread. Where's the variety in that?!?
Comment by Amy — August 5, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
Yes, Pot Belly's would be better!
Comment by Renae — August 16, 2009 @ 9:56 am