I rate Jimmy John's over Subway, but the one on State's pretty crap. Rather, the State St. operation employs the worst sandwich artists(to borrow that other chain's wordage). To that end, I stopped patronizing Jimmy John's after several poorly made sammies culminating in my arriving home with a "Vito" (the Italian sub) completely devoid of meat. I ordered two "Vito's," one for me, one for the s/o; one had the correct ingrediants, one only lettuce. Instead of complaining, I've simply ceased patronizing all Jimmy John's. There seems to be a lot of griping about what constitutes "quality" meat on commercial subs. I'm of the opinion that one's love of fine and/or esoteric culinary endeavors needn't preclude a kneejerk denigration of the molochian mass market.

Just an aside, Jimmy John's was started at Eastern Illinois University, which is in Charleston, IL. My husband was in college when Jimmy opened the first place.

I kinda like the sandwiches...although this thread is making me rethink...

"Charleston"---(I mean Matoon) boasts a Jimmy John's with the most superfluous awning ever(we're talkin' NEST magazine level). The awning perches 2/3rds of the way up a no-man's land of white aluminum siding. Go figure.

David Hammond wrote:Guys, this is getting kind of personal, don't you think?

I didn't mean to be personal, which is why I moved my comment from the original thread to this one on Jimmy John's. I meant no criticism of delk's tastes (any more, I'm sure, than he meant to disparage those of the poster who recommended Al's). I meant merely to point out how well delk's comment illustrates de gustibus.

It seems entirely consistent that somebody who says he'd rather eat dog food than Al's beef should enjoy Jimmy John's. And vice versa.

Consider an Amazon-like ranking.

Customers who bought Al's No. 1 Italian Beef also bought:
Johnnie's Beef
Poochie's

Customers who bought Jimmy John's also bought:
Bunny Hutch
White Castle

Jimmy John's always tastes good to me when I'm drunk, Then again, so does Burger King.

YourPalWill wrote:Jimmy John's always tastes good to me when I'm drunk, Then again, so does Burger King.

How drunk?

"take me drunk. I'm home" drunk.

YourPalWill wrote:Jimmy John's always tastes good to me when I'm drunk, Then again, so does Burger King.

Burger King tastes plenty fine with a generous coupon.

--Dan

I wish I would have read this thread earlier.

I decided I wanted a sandwich for lunch today and thought the wonderful weather warranted a stroll with the intent to try something new in the neighborhood. I was making my way east of Western, down Division, when I spotted a "new" sandwich shop called Jimmy John's near the intersection of Division and Damen. I've only lived in the Midwest (Chicago) for about 3 years and was not aware of this sandwich chain. I begrudgingly and embarrassingly admit that I fell for one of the oldest trick in the book: they had all sorts of signs outside and inside calling their sandwiches "gourmet" and "best in the world," stating things like "try them." I'd never been there and never heard of them, but all those signs sure made them sound good. I was hungry and naïve, so I stepped inside [I wonder how may tragic tales start like that].

I was actually blown away by the number of signs all over the joint stating how great their own sandwiches are.

I ordered the roast beef. I can't remember the last time I was so disappointed with a sandwich. It was just like many others have described before me in this thread: lacking flavor, refrigerator cold, and as plain and processed as you can imagine.

When I was done with my meal (I did finish it...I was hungry and it was edible), I found myself thinking how a place like this could dare to open up in the area. Within a 1/4 mile radius you've got plenty of good sandwich choices (i.e., Milk and Honey, Janik's Subs, Andy's deli, and Letizia's bakery, to name a few: walk a little more and you can get something from Red Hen Bakery or Just Baked). All of which make MUCH better sandwiches, in my very humble opinion. Geez, I'll take a sandwich from Subway, Potbelly, or Quiznos any day over what I had.

Now that I've read that they are a chain and that they are popping up all over the place, then I guess there must definitely be a market for it. I'm curious if there will be enough of a market in its current location. Mind you, I have nothing against chains, I just didn't like my sandwich very much and can't envision returning.

On a positive note, the staff was nice and very efficient. They handed me my sandwich at the same time as I collected the change and receipt -- which, honestly, kind of freaked me out. Their packaged and self-branded salt and vinegar potato chips were pretty good.

I can see why this place may be appealing for some. I don't think that the sandwich I had could ever offend someone's palate with any of its flavors, just their absence.

r2g wrote:Geez, I'll take a sandwich from Subway, Potbelly, or Quiznos any day over what I had.

Now that I've read that they are a chain and that they are popping up all over the place, then I guess there must definitely be a market for it.

I figure the franchises must be really cheap.

i don't get the "mushy bread" comment about JJ's. their bread is the best thing about them - but i am talking about the french, and maybe you're talking about the sliced.

briansemerick wrote:i don't get the "mushy bread" comment about JJ's. their bread is the best thing about them - but i am talking about the french, and maybe you're talking about the sliced.

Yes other than there pickle, the bread is the only thing half way good about JJ. It does take a marketing genius to get people to by a mostly bread and lettuce sandwich with a little meat and a smear of mayo or mustard, and if you really want to go crazy two little slices of tasteless processed cheese. It most cost the franchise about 50 cents to make that sandwich

from what i understand the mayo is hellman's, the cheese is real and the meats are all sliced in store... i think the components are decent but like previously stated they don't give you much of them...