'Still Making The Subs': Longtime Deerfield Business Set To Reopen

DEERFIELD, IL — For Tony Viti, the last four months have been difficult. The 82-year-old owner of Tony's Subs, a Deerfield mainstay for more than 50 years, is eagerly waiting for the restaurant to reopen after it was hit by a car last summer.

"It has been tough," Viti tells Patch. "After seeing the damage to the building, we weren't sure if we were going to be able to open within the year, but thankfully we should be open by the middle of February."

A hometown favorite, Tony's Subs has been part of the Deerfield restaurant scene for 55 years. Featuring hot sandwiches, milk shakes, French fries, Italian beef, chicken wings and even a catering menu, the "yellow shack is a true sandwich paradise," according to Viti. The restaurant boasts that it has served subs long before the chains did.

"[We have the] same classic fresh recipes We still slice meats and veggies, make our own juice for our Italian beef sandwiches too," Viti said. "I really want my customers to feel at home when they come to eat here. I want happy bellies."

Viti is proud the restaurant has remained open for many decades, but admits it hasn't always been easy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He's also seen price increases, a higher demand for supplies and many new restaurants opening in the area.

"We have a dedicated customer base and without them, Tony's Sub wouldn't have survived all these years," Viti said. "The messages, calls and Facebook posts of support mean so much to me. This is as heartfelt as it gets. The dedication of my employees is also amazing."

Viti said the restaurant has been crashed into by cars twice in the last three years. Sadly, the latest incident in the early morning hours of Aug. 31, 2024 — when the restaurant was closed —resulted in a fatality. Jareline Martinez, 25, of Waukegan, was pronounced dead at the scene. Members of the Deerfield Police Department and Deerfield-Bannockburn Fire Protection District responded to the crash at 2:23 a.m. First-responders found a 2002 Honda Accord on its roof with heavy damage at Tony's Subs. Martinez was the sole occupant of the car.

"From my understanding, the Village does not see it necessary to have anything that would deter drivers from hitting the building again," Viti said.

Despite the tragedy, it's an exciting time for Tony's Subs, with the reopening right around the corner. Viti said his business has resonated with local residents for a long time, even those he encounters beyond the North Shore.

"I am hoping people want me to reopen as badly as I do. I am 82 years old and still have the same heart for this business that I did when I was in my 20s," Viti said. "I am older and slower, but still have the passion I did back then. It is great when someone comes up to me and says, 'Hey Tony, how are you? Still making the subs?' I will be in another state and get recognized. It is truly a great feeling."