New ‘fast casual’ food option: Jimmy John’s officially opens in Windsor

Jimmy John’s has officially opened in Windsor. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco checks out the new sandwich joint.

There’s a new option on the menu for Windsorites on-the-go. American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s has officially opened its doors in South Windsor adding another choice for people looking for a quick meal.

“It’s fresh. Fresh stuff and it’s quick,” said one resident who lined up with others outside for a taste of a sandwich they’ve long made a cross-border trip to have in Michigan.

“It’s now here in Canada and we get to go,” said Jacee Zimmer who remembers travelling to the U.S. and having Jimmy John’s with her father when she was younger.

“We don’t have to cross the border.”

Jimmy John’s is excited to further expand their reach in Canada.

“I’m with Foodtastic, so we have the master license for Jimmy John’s Canada, and we’re absolutely thrilled about it,” said Bobby Sodhi, franchising manager for Jimmy John’s.

He said Jimmy John’s is one of a small number of franchises in its portfolio.

“There’s a huge correlation between customers wanting it fast and wanting it fresh, so that is a trend we are seeing and all the brands we have in our Foodtastic portfolio, they are a great representation of that.”

Despite having over 2,000 outlets in the U.S., Jimmy John’s is still in the infancy stage in Canada. Sodhi said 10 locations are expected to open by the end of the year.

Jimmy John’s becomes the latest in a long line of American restaurant chains that are making their way here to the city of Windsor. However, they they’re joining a crowded landscape already filled with Canadian-born franchises, like Cora’s, Sunset Grill, Boston Pizza, and even East Side Mario’s.

With ongoing tariff tensions between Canada and the U.S., are people paying attention to whether the restaurants they choose are Canadian or American or does it all come down to taste and convenience?

“It doesn’t matter to me as much. I go to dinner in Detroit a lot with my family and stuff too. I when I’m eating in Canada, I also look for local businesses to support,” said Josh Varacalli, who dropped by for lunch to go.

His friend, Zachary Sabga, is indifferent.

“If I enjoy it, I’ll be there. Or if I don’t, it’s that simple to me,” said Sabga.

“The fight between Canada and the U.S. is bigger and smarter people than me. I’m just here for good food.”

According to the franchise owner, Jimmy John’s is in the ‘fast casual’ category, focusing on a quick and healthy option to help consumers keep up with their lifestyle.

“You get your food fast but it’s healthy and the ambiance is good,” said Akshay Patel.

“We have frequent travel to U.S. I like Jimmy John’s brand, and I just wanted to have something like that in Canada.”

Public Health Nutritionist Karen Bellemore said when building a healthy relationship with food, nourishing the body, eating consistently, and eating a variety of food that honours health goals are important.

“The more options that are available and the way that the market is changing is allowing more people to meet those health goals when they’re out and about,” she said.