9 Things Jersey Mikes Doesn’t Tell You About its Menu
In the world of fast casual sandwich chains, Jersey Mikes has made a name for itself as a leader. But current and former employees have shared some less-known secrets about Jersey Mike’s menu online and it appears the chain has been keeping some secrets. Here are some things you should know about Jersey Mike’s menu before you make your next visit.
Avoid The Chicken Parm
According to one employee on Reddit, the cold subs are generally tasty and made with freshly cut meats. However, the chicken parm is one that you’ll want to avoid. The employee explained that they don’t get as many fresh shipments of the chicken as they do some of the other cuts of meat.
The Olive Oil May be Soybean Oil
Jersey Mike’s is known for making sandwiches “Mike’s Way”, which involves the signature combination of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and oregano. But as it turns out, the olive oil used in the sandwiches might not be olive oil at all. An employee claimed that the oil is actually mostly soybean oil with very little or even no olive oil.
The Brownies Are Pre-Packaged
Fans of Jersey Mikes can’t get enough of the sandwich shop’s brownies, but as it turns out, these fudgy delights are nothing special. The chain sources them from David’s Cookies, a mass produced cookie company that also supplies baked goods to other chains, like Chick-fil-A. For fans looking to save some money, the recipe can be found online and you can make yourself a fresh batch right at home.
The Trendy Menu Items Aren’t Worth It
It’s easy to fall for the internet chatter when a massive chain releases all new menu items, but according to customers online, the specialty items often don’t hold a candle to the regular subs. The chain recently released the Nacho and Cool Ranch Philly Bowls and while there was some initial excitement over the item, employees report that customers are rather disappointed with the outcome.
Hot Sandwiches Are Made With Stale Bread
Multiple employees online have admitted to using day-old bread for the hot subs. It’s easier to get away with when the bread will be toasted anyways. The cold subs use fresh bread because it’s much more obvious that the bread was stale if it isn’t being toasted. So you may consider sticking to the cold subs if you want soft and fresh bread with your sammy.
Asking for More Toppings Won’t Cost Extra
It feels like we’re charged extra for everything these days, but Jersey Mikes actually has a policy that asking for extra condiments does not make the sandwich more spendy. Vegetables, condiments, and seasonings can all be added free of charge so load them up. The only items that will cost extra are premium ingredients, like avocado or pepperoni. Also, requesting extra meat or cheese will cost a little extra.
The Difference Between a Kids Sandwich and Mini Sandwich
If you’re looking for more of a snack and not a whole meal, you might be drawn to the mini sandwich. However, the kids meal, which comes with a mini sandwich, beverage, and cookie costs almost the same amount. According to employees online, the only difference between the kids sandwich and mini sandwich is one piece of meat. So if you’re looking to save (and can forgo one piece of meat) then the kids meal is a much better deal.
Some Locations Serve Breakfast
When you think about a sub sandwich, breakfast probably doesn’t immediately come to mind. But some locations do actually serve breakfast. The breakfast sandwiches generally consist of eggs, ham, bacon, or sausage, and cheese served on Mike’s roll. Breakfast is relatively new feature at Jersey Mikes and will likely be served at more locations in the near future.
The Secret Menu Has Tons of Hidden Gems
The Jersey Mike’s secret menu has been curated by fans and employees alike. There are tons of different flavor combinations and remixes on classic sandwiches that take your meal to the next level. If you know what to ask for, employees are usually happy to make it work. Some popular secret menu items include the Surf’nTurf and grilled mayo.
