Business Spotlight: Jersey Mike's Subs

Jersey Mike's is located at 35 Eisenhower Parkway in Eagle Rock Commons
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Mayor James Spango (JS) recently held a conversation with the manager of Roseland's Jersey Mike's franchise, Christian Gizzi (CG) to learn more about his business and to see what residents should know about this sandwich shop in our Borough. The following conversation has been lightly edited for publication.

JS: How long has Jersey Mike's been in Roseland?
CG: This specific location has been here for about five years.
JS: And how long have you specifically been here at this location?
CG: I would say about 3 months, but I've been with the company for about two years.

JS: When we talk about being here in Roseland, what makes it a great location for Jersey Mike's?
CG: I would say its the people. I love talking to you guys, those at the Police Station, the Fire House, all the other volunteers and the entire community here in town is full of just very sweet people. I love talking with them when they come in and getting to know their names. I love to give back, and since I grew up in the town next door, it just feels great to have that backing from this community and we want to support those who support our business.

JS: What would you say is the most popular sandwich and what is your favorite sandwich, if its not the same thing?Photo
CG: So the most popular sandwich is for sure the original Italian - it has all the meat on it and I think it likely has 95% of our meats on that sandwich. You've got your provolone cheese, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni, and that's likely the most popular because of how much is on it and what it offers. My personal favorite, and I have to actually go on the cheese steak side, I would say its the Chipolte Cheese steak with the grilled onions, peppers, white American cheese and chipotle mayo, #43.

JS: You guys are always busy when you come in here, whether its people placing orders or handling catering orders - but you are also busy with giving back to the community. You've done fundraisers for Noecker School with Noecker Nights for example, so I want to know if there any plans coming up where the community can get involved, for example the HSA or other community groups working alongside Jersey Mike's?
CG: I want to get involved more with community events that you guys host and give out free or discounted subs. I want to put a face behind your local Jersey Mike's and make that connection with the residents and give back to you in a way that everyone can benefit from.Photo

JS: Is there anything specific you want to tell our Roseland residents or local organizations know about? I know you mentioned about sub give back cards - can you explain that a bit?
CG: So the sub give back is a $3 card where essentially you if you donate $3 and present this card, you get the remainder of the sub for free and we give the funds back to the local organization or cause we're supporting. That can go towards local organizations but also we can support local residents who are going through tough times. Like in West Caldwell, the manager set it up so that funds could be raised for a family whose home burnt down and the funds raised could go towards getting the kids some clothing and toys and whatnot to help people in the community as much as possible.

JS: That sounds fantastic and I hope people reach out to you to consider partnering with you.
CG: We certainly hope so. I'm very excited to be at this store, I plan on being here for a long time, I want to be involved in the community, and I want them to know I'm here for them and I am appreciative of their support and business towards me, this store, and our employees.

Interview was conducted on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Any businesses interested in being featured in a future Business Spotlight should email both Mayor James Spango (jspango@roselandnj.org) and Public Information Officer Ryan Schwertfeger (rschwertfeger@roselandnj.org).