Hingham's Sub Galley Locally-Owned for 50 Years

Currently a popular location for homemade meatballs, calzones and fried appetizers, the Sub Galley/Pizza Galley has seen a lot of menu changes since 1962, but the owner's last name has remained the same.

John Heapes, a Hingham native and Weymouth resident, bought the shop on Station Street from his father Richard in 1989. The elder Heapes bought Maria's, a sub shop on North Street in 1962. He changed the name immediately and eventually moved the business to it's current home in 1970.

John Heapes stays busy with the restaurant, handling a long list of responsibilities. He welcomes the community to the shop for what he calls, "good food at a reasonable price."

When did you get involved in the business?

I used to come down and do a lot of stuff in high school in the '70s. I started here full time in '86. And I purchased it from [my father] in 1989.

How has the place changed over the years?

A greatly expanded menu. Back when I first started here in '86 we had no fryolators, no pizza ovens. It was strictly subs.

As the owner, what's your day-to-day work like?

Everything. It's all encompassing. I fix anything broken I can. I do the scheduling. I do the ordering. Hiring, training, firing when you have to. It's a very hands-on occupation. I am a working manager.

What are your most popular items now?

Homemade meatballs, calzones, absolutely, and a lot of the fryolator items, a lot of appetizer-type stuff.

Is there still family working here with you?

My wife still works here. My daughter, on occasion. My son has moved on, but he worked here for quite a few years. My dad still pops in every morning for coffee and lunch.

How is your restaurant connected to the community?

Definitely serving the community. We promote a lot of community events just by hanging the flyers for school plays, church events, et cetera, et cetera.