By Pamela Brownstein
With funny, catchy phrases like “Subs So Fast You’ll Freak” and “Your mom wants you to eat at Jimmy John’s” adorning the walls inside and out, it’s hard to ignore the allure of this new restaurant in town.
But the eatery — located in Beaufort Town Center, 2015 Boundary St., where Rita’s Italian Ice used to be — is more than just hype and the delicious food speaks for itself. Beloved on college campuses and in towns all over, including Savannah and Charleston, Jimmy John’s World’s Greatest Gourmet Sandwiches opened in Beaufort just last month.
We had a full Lunch Bunch crew with Kim, Elizabeth, Nancy, Buck, April, Heather and me.
Kim ordered the J.J.B.L.T. She loved her bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo on wheat, and it lived up to its description: The only better BLT is mama’s BLT.
Elizabeth tried the #15 Club Tuna that comes with fresh, housemade tuna, mixed with celery, onions, and special sauce, as well as provolone, sprouts, cucumbers, lettuce and tomato. I have no idea how she can finish her sub, chips and drink, and manage to stay so skinny, but she liked it all because there was nothing left.
April and Heather both got the #12 Beach Club loaded with turkey, provolone cheese, avocado spread, cucumber, sprouts, lettuce, tomato and mayo. April had hers on the seven-grain wheat bread, and both women thought their sandwiches were great.
The #9 Italian Night Club must appeal to those in sales because Nancy and Buck both ordered it. The giant sub comes with genoa salami, Italian capicola, ham, provolone cheese and is topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and Italian vinaigrette. Buck said he usually doesn’t choose Italian subs, but he ate it all.
I had my usual, the #11 Country Club made with turkey breast, applewood smoked ham, provolone cheese, and tons of lettuce, tomato and mayo. The menu lists this disclaimer: A very traditional, yet always exceptional classic. That’s just how I like it — a classic turkey sub that is awesome every time.
One reason why the subs are so good is because all the bread is baked fresh in the restaurant. If some of the french rolls are left over after four hours, the rolls are then available for sale for only 50 cents.
Owner James Pinckney and his wife, JoElla, are excited about their new franchise. James was born and raised in Beaufort and is enjoying coming back to his roots after working for Microsoft for many years.
He said they have seen a packed lunch crowd so far and stay busy on the weekends, especially with military families in town. His must-have? The barbecue-flavored Jimmy Chips.
With a packed menu — don’t let it intimidate you! — as well as a variety of chips and yummy cookies, lunch (or dinner) at Jimmy John’s is a must-try.
The restaurant delivers seven days a week within a two-mile radius. They also provide catering. Call 843-379-3009 or visit www.jimmyjohns.com.
