12 Jersey Mike's Facts To Know Before You Go

Jersey Mike's Subs began as a single sub shop in 1950s New Jersey, but it has since become a quick-service sensation with more than 3,450 locations across the United States and Canada. Famous for its subs piled high with sliced, fresh-to-order meats and cheeses, plus a variety of other unique toppings, the chain has quickly developed a cult-like following. Jersey Mike's fans, who are well-versed in secret menu items, ordering hacks, and ingredient slang, are immensely loyal — and after trying one of the shops' subs, you will quickly know why.

If you're planning your first visit to a Jersey Mike's, you might be curious about what to expect. That's why we have created a guide to the most important things to know about the storied chain before you go. Keep reading for the lowdown on all things Jersey Mike's — from how to order like a regular to how to score the best deal on your sandwich.

As all of the Jersey Mike's signs across the country proudly display, the chain started in 1956. Then called Mike's Subs, the shop, located right on the Jersey Shore, found success with its portable, boardwalk-friendly submarine sandwiches. But the story of how Jersey Mike's went from a local sandwich shop to a global franchise is anything but boring. 

Exactly 15 years after opening, Mike's Subs began its journey to national renown when 17-year-old employee Peter Cancro bought the shop with a loan from his football coach. Cancro slowly expanded the business, turning it from a freestanding gem to a local chainlet and, eventually, a sandwich-shop empire. Today, Cancro is a minority stakeholder of Jersey Mike's and serves as the business's chairman.

70 years later, Jersey Mike's still owns the original Point Pleasant Beach location of Mike's Subs, although it has now become an employee training center. However, just a few blocks away, the Jersey Mike's flagship location is still up and running. 

Jersey Mike's claim to fame is, of course, its submarine sandwiches. The subs come in a variety of topping combinations and are served both hot and cold. The Cold Subs menu includes the classic BLT, the Number Four (with provolone, prosciuttini, and cappacuolo), and the Club Supreme (with roast beef, turkey, Swiss cheese, and applewood smoked bacon). The Hot Subs menu mainly features cheesesteak sandwiches, such as the Mike's Famous Philly (with grilled onions, peppers, and white American cheese). 

Although you can't build your own sandwich from scratch at Jersey Mike's, you still have plenty of customization options. Add or remove toppings as you see fit, and choose from a variety of breads, wraps, or a bowl without bread at all. Specific ingredient availability will vary by location and time of year.

One of the primary things that sets Jersey Mike's apart from its competitors is the fact that the meats and cheeses for sandwiches are sliced fresh to order, rather than shipped to franchises pre-sliced. Just like buying meats and cheeses at the grocery store deli counter, the taste difference of fresh-sliced deli meat is evident.

Nothing makes diners feel more like they are a part of an exclusive club than when a restaurant has its own dictionary of ordering slang. Jersey Mike's boasts just that — and there is plenty of ordering shorthand to learn. 

The single most important phrase to know before you get on a Jersey Mike's line is "Mike's Way." When you order your sub "Mike's Way" at Jersey Mike's, expect a roster of classic toppings: onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, and spices (oregano and salt). This is the classic way to level up your sub order, and many Jersey Mike's employees will ask if you want your sandwich "Mike's Way" before they start slicing — so make sure you've decided before you get to the counter.

There are two other major pieces of ordering shorthand you'll want to know before you visit Jersey Mike's. The first, "The Juice," refers to the mixture of olive oil and red wine vinegar that is sprinkled over subs (you can ask for extra, light, or none, depending on your taste). The second, called` "CPR," refers to the iconic Jersey Mike's Cherry Pepper Relish, which you can spread on sandwiches, use as an on-the-side dipper, or take home in a full-sized jar.

If you're curious to try Jersey Mike's but don't want to commit to a full-priced sub, fear not. Check your local location's Deals Menu for a rotating list of discounted sandwiches and menu items that vary by date, time, and franchise. 

Of course, there's no guarantee of what you will find on the Jersey Mike's Deals Menu near you, but marked-down sandwiches across its thousands of U.S. locations have included the Mike's Hot Italian (with ham, salami, pepperoni, melted provolone cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, and CPR) and the Chicken Salad (finished with celery and black pepper). Depending on the location, you can save several dollars by ordering from the Deals Menu. Walk away with the extra savings, or put it toward a bag of chips, a drink, or one of the chain's fresh-baked cookies!

Although Jersey Mike's doesn't let customers build their own sub sandwich, you can still tailor one to your taste — including adding plenty of toppings at no extra cost. We have already covered the complimentary "Mike's Way" upgrade with plenty of roughage and seasonings, but that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to additional free toppings at Jersey Mike's. 

Beyond the ingredients included in a "Mike's Way" sandwich, you can add spreads like mayonnaise, yellow mustard, honey mustard, and CPR for no extra charge. You can also add dill pickles, banana peppers, and jalapeños. Whether you want your sandwich extra rich, briny, or spicy, these free ingredients can take your Jersey Mike's order to the next level.

Thinking about going to Jersey Mike's, but not sure if the chain can accommodate your diet? Although Jersey Mike's isn't an allergy-free facility and cross-contact is always possible, people with food aversions or intolerances may be surprised by how many options are available.

Vegetarian diners can enjoy The Veggie, which comes with Swiss and provolone cheeses and green bell peppers. To make the sandwich vegan, remove the cheese. For those avoiding gluten, Jersey Mike's offers gluten-free bread. As someone who cannot eat gluten, I can attest that this bread is pillowy soft and holds up well with plenty of toppings. Breadless sub bowls are also a great fit for those following a ketogenic diet or avoiding any ingredients in Jersey Mike's bread products.

As a restaurant chain with such a quirky origin story and 70 years of history, it is no wonder you will find Easter eggs and historical tidbits about Jersey Mike's throughout its menu. Blink, and you might miss them!

When looking at Jersey Mike's menu, you will notice some numbers skip out of order or seem random. That's because the chain keeps numbers 43 and 56 as a nod to its history. The number 43 on the Chipotle Cheesesteak matches founder Peter Cancro's old football jersey number, while number 56, the Big Kahuna Cheesesteak, represents the year Jersey Mike's was founded. The Cold Subs menu also features an order that nods to Jersey Mike's founder: The Cancro Special, with all-natural oven-roasted top rounds, provolone cheese, and pepperoni.

After decades of service, you can probably guess that Jersey Mike's has its own secret menu full of ordering hacks and novel flavor combinations. That said, if you're a newbie to the chain, you will almost certainly be shocked by just how many secret menu options there are. We could dedicate an article to the Jersey Mike's secret menu, but here is a top-level overview of some options that vary by location, as shared by employees and customers across social media.

For instance, there are several sauces that are used as ingredients in the Jersey Mike's kitchen, but are not advertised as add-ons — including the Frank's RedHot Sauce and blue cheese dressing used in the Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak, the ranch dressing used in the Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Steak, and the chipotle mayonnaise in the Chipotle Cheese Steak, which became a viral Jersey Mike's ordering hack for a Mike's Hot Italian sub. You can also ask to have your meat cooked directly in any of these sauces before it goes in your sandwich. 

Also, although Jersey Mike's doesn't toast its subs, many customers enjoy asking for their cold subs "grilled" on the flat top — or getting certain ingredients grilled, such as the bread itself (sometimes slathered with mayonnaise) or onions. The flat top also comes in handy for the secret-menu "quesadilla," featuring a wrap and sandwich cheese.

Some fast-food and quick-service restaurant apps are more of a nuisance than anything else — but not the one for Jersey Mike's. The Jersey Mike's app, available on both the Apple and Google Play Stores, is one of the easiest ways to find your local franchise and place delivery and pickup orders. You will also find a host of exclusive deals and offers available only to app users.

The app also makes it easy to create a MyMike's Account, which remembers your favorite orders and lets you collect Shore Points rewards. Enough Shore Points can be redeemed for free subs, and signing up for this rewards program is one of the ultimate ordering tricks to get the best Jersey Mike's sandwich. The app is also a great way to scope out the menu and see what catches your eye before you hit a fast-moving line and the ordering counter.

Whether you are feeling especially hungry, planning a Jersey Mike's trip with a friend, or looking for a convenient, cost-effective meal-prepping solution, the Giant Sub has plenty of benefits. Up to 15 inches long and packed with fillings, a Giant Sub is a great way to stretch a meal across multiple people or multiple days. 

You can order any Jersey Mike's sub sandwich, hot or cold, in Giant form. Although availability can vary by location, the chain makes Giant versions of white, wheat, rosemary parmesan, and gluten-free breads, so you do not have to skimp on variety for the sake of size. The Giant Sub is about twice the size of a Regular Sub; however, it costs less than buying two Regulars, making it a great pick for those looking for about two Regular Subs' worth of food.

It seems like common knowledge now that kids' menus at chain restaurants aren't just for kids. Yet overlooking the kids' menu is one of the most common mistakes people make when ordering at Jersey Mike's. 

The Jersey Mike's Kids Meal is only available at select locations — and if it is available at your local franchise, consider yourself lucky, because it's a great value. The meal typically includes a small provolone cheese sandwich filled with your choice of ham, turkey, or salami, plus a drink and a cookie. Although the order is recommended for children 8 and under, plenty of fans have had no problem ordering one at the counter or via the mobile app. 

Although you won't get the same-size sandwich as with a Regular Sub, you get the variety of a drink and a cookie without the added cost. Plus, depending on your location, the kids' meal can cost just over half the price of a Regular Sub alone. 

The Jersey Mike's breakfast has become almost elusive, and it can be incredibly hard to find a location that serves it. That said, if your local franchise is one of them, you are in for a real treat.  The breakfast menu includes egg-and-cheese sandwiches, available plain or with various breakfast meats. Options include pork roll, bacon, sausage, ham, and steak, as well as a sandwich with cheese, ham, bacon, peppers, and mushrooms. Availability varies by location. 

When it comes to customization, your options are far more limited than at lunch and dinner. White is the only bread available, and you can order sandwiches only in Mini and Regular sizes. While you can add or remove American cheese, there are no additional complimentary toppings.