First of 4 Tri-Cities Jersey Mike’s sandwich shops opens this week
The first of four Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants coming to the Tri-Cities is opening Wednesday in Kennewick.
The national franchise that features subs with fresh sliced meats and cheeses and grilled cheesesteaks opens Oct. 27 at 1659 Columbia Center Blvd. It’s sandwiched between a Starbucks and a Mod Pizza.
Franchise owner Tim Klinefelter plans a grand opening and fundraiser from Oct. 27 to Sunday, Oct. 31 to support three local high school athletic programs at Kennewick, Southridge and Kamiakin high schools.
Customers with a special fundraising coupon found at area businesses can get a regular sub with a minimum $2 contribution during that time. All proceeds will go to the sports programs.
“Sports have always been a big part of my life and I’m happy we can give back to the athletics at these schools,” said Klinefelter, a Walla Walla native, with a niece and nephew attending high school in Kennewick.
Klinefelter was a 20-year Comcast executive living in Western Washington when he realized there were no Jersey Mike’s in Eastern Washington except in Spokane.
Now, he has immediate plans for at least two in the Tri-Cities, with the second one in Pasco.
“I was initially attracted to Jersey Mike’s because of the product and the culture of the brand,” Klinefelter said in a news release. “The first time I ever tried Jersey Mike’s was at the Bonney Lake location, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My favorite sub is the #8 Club Sub.”
By the end of the year, another Jersey Mike’s outlet is expected to open in Vintner Square in the Queensgate area of Richland under different franchise owners, Derek Tonn, former CEO of the Roasters Coffee chain, and his son, Dylan Tonn.
The Tonns also intend to open another shop in the Columbia Point area of Richland near Winco by the end of 2022.
The Jersey Mike’s franchises offer takeout orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mike’s app or other delivery services. Curbside pickup is also available.
Hours are the Columbia Center restaurant are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. Phone: 509-873-3387.
Jersey Mike’s Subs has more than 2,000 locations nationwide.