New sandwich shop opens in Citrus Heights; promises ‘freaky fast’ orders

Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches opened a new franchise location in Citrus Heights on Tuesday, taking up one of the remaining spots in the new shopping center at the corner of Sunrise Boulevard and Madison Avenue.

The restaurant chain is known for its speedy ordering and delivery, fresh-baked bread that’s made every four hours, and preservative-free meats with no artificial ingredients. Menu selections include the 8-inch “Hunter’s Club,” which features a quarter-pound of medium-rare roast beef, and a sandwich called the “J.J. Gargantuan” to feed “the hungriest of humans.”

Customer James Terry, who tried out Jimmy John’s for the first time on Tuesday, said the quick-serve experience was different from Subway where customized orders are standard practice. Although surprised he couldn’t request chopped onions and a little dill pickle on the side, he called his 8-inch tuna sandwich “outstanding” and said he’d be coming back again.

Local Franchisee Phil Hornstra, who owns the Citrus Heights location, previously told The Sentinel that Jimmy John’s focus is on “freaky fast” service — meaning customized orders aren’t always possible. However, many options are still offered and the menu features a number of “freebies” that can be added to most sandwiches, including sprouts, sliced cucumber, different mustards, and oregano.

“We typically will have your sandwich made and back to the register before you finish paying,” said Hornstra. His promise appeared to be true on opening day, as orders observed were completed within about a minute of placing the order — although employees slowed down a bit to customize an order.

While specializing in speed, Jimmy John’s also has ample indoor and outdoor seating for customers to enjoy a meal. Delivery is also an option for catering orders and even single sandwich orders, with a sample order placed on the company’s website showing a $1.50 delivery fee for a standard 8-inch sandwich order.

Hornstra’s company, “PG2H, Inc.,” also operates a Jimmy John’s franchise that opened in Roseville last December and plans to bring about a dozen more sandwich shops to the area. He said the new shopping center in Citrus Heights was chosen for a new shop due to it being “centrally located to many retail and business options.”

According to JimmyJohns.com, the sandwich company was founded in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud. After graduating second-to-last in his 1982 high school class and deciding “college was not for him,” Liautaud obtained a $25,000 loan from his father and opened his first sub shop in Charleston, Illinois. His company has since grown to over 2,600 locations in 43 states.

The new Jimmy John’s is located at 5410 Sunrise Blvd. in Citrus Heights, with standard operating hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The next closest shops are located on Del Paso Road in Sacramento and Douglas Boulevard in Roseville.