Jersey Mike's Opens In Vernon With Focus On Food, RHS Fundraiser

VERNON, CT — Jersey Mike's Subs officially opened for business Wednesday in Vernon's Tri-City Plaza and the focus was not only on the food, but raising money for Rockville High School.

A decent line had already formed by 10 a.m., when Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne read a welcoming proclamation to owner Cody Martins prior to the formal ribbon-cutting.

Shortly after, the shop went to work on Classic Italians, cheesesteaks and what seemed like an abundance of BLTs.

And it was all for a good cause. Martins is staging a grand opening and fundraiser from Wednesday to Sunday to support Rockville High School. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort can make a minimum $3 contribution to Rockville High School in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.

Staffers have been handing them out at the plaza. Martins said the opening-day goal was 600 subs sold.

Martins worked his way up the ranks to become a franchise owner. He said he started at Jersey Mike's 10 years ago as a crew member and, with the "incredible support" of CEO Peter Cancro, "I have worked my way up to opening my own business. I look forward to not only serving delicious food but also giving back and making a positive impact in the area."

Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app.

Jersey Mike's slices its meats and cheeses on the spot and they are then piled high on in-store baked bread. Many Jersey Mike's fans order their subs "Mike’s Way" with the onions, lettuce and tomatoes topped off with an exquisite zing of "the juice," which is red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend.

The shop is employing about 30 people. And candidates can apply at jerseymikes.com/careers. The restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week (860-896-5090).

Jersey Mike's, through its making a difference campaign, has raised more than $135 million for local charities. In 2024, the company's 14th Annual Jersey Mike's Month of Giving in March raised $25 million for more than 200 local charities.

Jersey Mike's has more than 4,000 locations open and in development, using the same recipe it started with in 1956.