Jimmy
John’s
As
a loyal NASCAR fan, I am often drawn to certain places to eat, places to shop,
brands to try, etc … by my favorite NASCAR drivers.
Trust
me, I have PLENTY of favorites (mostly Chevy drivers, but a few Ford and Toyota
drivers as well). Sometimes that is good, sometimes it’s bad. Enough there.
One
of my favorite drivers drives for … Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches. If you
don’t know who, then it is the #29 driver, Kevin Harvick.
Both
he and his wife (who I admire very much) are always tweeting about Jimmy John’s
and their great food.
On
March 25th, with nothing planned for lunch, and as a treat … I went
to the store on Sunset Road here in Henderson.
The
store is in a strip mall between the CenturyLink store and a dental place.
While
it didn’t seem busy when I arrived, there was a group of loud athletes when I walked
through the door. As it is hard for me to hear in a loud environment, it was
good thing they were leaving before I ordered. And, no I don’t hold that against
the shop :)
Before
I continue …
The
one thing I’ve been told ask for when ordering is the “pickle” … that’s if you
like them. Now according to a lot of people on Twitter, the pickle spear is
free. As this was my first time, and ever doubtful … I thought I would ask up
ahead of time.
This
particular location does not give a free pickle (spear or otherwise). They sell
WHOLE pickles, but don’t give you the free spear. They’ll cut it in spears
though. The “free” pickle spears only come with the “box deal”, which is part
of their catering menu.
That
wasn’t going to stop me from ordering. I’d come there for a sandwich (and the
pickle, but I got over that. I wanted a moment to absorb the menu and see what
I’d like. Like I said, this was my first visit.
My
particular order-taker was either in a hurry or WAY too excited. He directed me
over to the HUGE board to show the selections and pointed out what was either
the most popular or his personal favorites.
It
was a little hard to keep up, and I like my subs simple – meat and cheese. I’m
particular on the meats though – I’m a basic turkey/cheese or a ham/cheese kind
of girl.
It’s
worth noting the subs don’t increase in size at all. They’re all 8 inches and
are either a sub, slim or a club. That’s it. No small, medium or large either –
that’s reserved for the drinks (which are only medium and large).
The
subs are on French bread rolls with veggies and various condiments. The slims
are basic – no veggies or condiments. The “clubs” have twice the meat or cheese
and have an extra piece of bread in the middle (or so “Rick” told me).
You
can check out the menu here (though this one is without prices): http://www.jimmyjohns.com/PDFs/jj_menu_no_prices.pdf
Here's a picture of the "take-home" menu:
(I prefer the "PLAIN SLIMS")
Knowing
all that (some of which I didn’t need to know) … I decided on a Slim #1 – ham
and cheese on the white French toast roll.
Before
I could order something else, Rick totals my order. I was a bit astounded.
Usually you’re asked “do you want a drink”, “would you like to make that a
combo” … “is that for here or to go”.
Nothing.
None of that. I believe in being fast, and appreciate that. And, I understand
their slogan is subs that are “freaky fast”. But, as a first-timer, I felt like
I was being rushed out the door. What if I was ordering a different sandwich
for someone else (as in to take home to them)? It rushed and hurried, despite
the fact I was now the only one in the store.
I
had to ask if I could “add” on the chips and drink to make it a combo. Despite
the extra charge, I got the whole pickle anyway. Basically, I wanted to see why
they were so in demand and highly regarded … and I felt like having a pickle.
After
adding the medium drink, BBQ chips, and a pickle … my order came to $8.05. I
had to ask for the drink cup, and then carry my pickle, sandwich, chips and cup
to the drink dispenser. No “to go” bag for me. I didn’t specify that it was “to
go”, so they likely assumed I’d eat in. Then again I wasn’t given a tray
either.
(My receipt for lunch)
(Try carrying all this out to your car in one hand while having your keys ready. The sandwich is the wrapped item by the chips. To the right of the sandwich is the pickle.)
Either
way … trying to leave with your purse, medium drink, pickle, 8” sub and bag of
chips in one hand and car keys in the other is not easy. But, I made it to the
car and got everything in without dropping an item or spilling the drink. Once
home, I made two trips to the car to get everything in.
Now,
here’s the “food” review:
Prices
are fair. You get a choice of 8” subs that vary in price from $3.75 to $5.75.
Sodas are a bit pricey (aren’t they always). The location I chose had Cherry
Coke – so I chose that. I think I’d be better off getting a Big Gulp for $0.99
at the 7/11.
The
downside? Location does not give free pickle spears. I decided to call the Lake
Mead location in Henderson, and they had NO clue what I was talking about. I was
finally told by the manager (via employee) “no location does that” (giving out FREE
pickle spears that is). I tried to
verify this through the Jimmy John’s Twitter account, but I got no answer
(still haven’t as of 4/8).
(The pickle I had to "PAY" for)
(They were nice enough to cut it in spears for me).
Either
my locations don’t participate, which sucks … or it’s a bit of a falsehood. Again,
I have no information either way. I’ll still continue to check on it.
The
chips were a bit too hard and thick for me, but very tasty and flavorful. In
the end, think I’ll stick with the Honey Barbeque Lays I get at Wal*Mart.
The
pickle was like any other dill pickle, but if it is free … I damn well want it.
If I have to pay, it might be worth the $1.25 (plus tax) for a whole dill. It
was crispy and juicy, and cold; I’d rate it higher than Vlasic.
So
… how was the sandwich? You’re all likely wondering about that, right?
It
was great. For me that is.
The
roll definitely smelled fresh (and I love the smell of fresh bread). It was a
bit chewy on the outside, but fluffy inside. I’m not a “roll” lover, but this
roll was perfection. The meat and cheese portions were about right for the sub
I got. It was made before I even paid, so again the “freaky fast” applied here.
I
think on the next visit I’ll stick with the slim and the pickle. That’ll be
$5.41 after tax. Worth it? Well, it’s not a value, but it is lower than Subway
and likely Port of Subs.
I
wasn’t paid for the review, and even if I was, this is what they would have
gotten. I just thought I’d put my few cents worth in.
If
you’re on Twitter and enjoy NASCAR, Jimmy John’s or the Harvicks – they can be
found here:
Kevin
Harvick: http://www.twitter.com/KevinHarvick
DeLana
Harvick: http://www.twitter.com/DeLanaHarvick
Great
people with a terrific sense of humor :)
Oh,
and don’t forget their … assistant … (can’t remember Josh’s name at all):
And
here is the official “Jimmy John’s” twitter handle:
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