I've been meaning to try Jimmy John's for a long time. Since I was at the county office to renew my car registration today, I gave it a shot.
My overall impression is that it's a good sandwich. They seem to have a good variety, the quality of ingredients is good, and they had it done and handed to me within a minute or two of ordering it - even with the long line of people in front of me!
On the other hand... it's still just a sandwich. I'd choose Jimmy John's over Subway or other sub-sandwich shops that we currently have, though.
As a low-carber, I sometimes feel wasteful when I ignore the bread on entrees, but not at Jimmy John's! I got a hearty Country Club Unwich and was pleasantly surprised that it was actually wrapped in several pieces of lettuce (not just a couple of slivers, like some places). It was plenty of food and very tasty.
I visited Jimmy John's because friends were excited Waco was getting one. Knowing nothing of it, I tried it. Twice. And both times left me feeling like it was over-rated. The sandwiches are heavy on the bread (which normally I don't mind) and heavy on the lettuce. There was some meat in mine and other good flavors. But I was disapointed and let down since I expected a lot more. Don't get me wrong, it was still good. But I can find a similiar sandwich somewhere else.
I am gluten intolerant, which means that sandwich joints are generally to be avoided. Jimmy John's offers the lovely, low carb substitute of "The Unwich". Honesty compels me to say that The Unwich is not my favorite food, and in my pre sans-gluten days JJ's was not my favorite sandwich shop. However, we do go there once every week or two, and I alter my order slightly every time, sometimes to it's betterment and sometimes not. It's nice to be able to order something at a sandwich shop, even if it is just a glorified salad minus the bowl. So, take that for what you will. I always get the vegetarian unwich, because not only am I gluten intolerant, I am not very fond of lunch meats. Jimmy John's is fast, but a little expensive, especially if you aren't getting any bread. I love the people who work there, though there is never anywhere to sit, and you can't eat your food there, which means no refills on your drink. So, eh. Sandwiches.
As far as chains go, I'm going to have to disagree with my friend GGPeel and say that JJ's is brilliance. They had me at the finely shredded lettuce.
They're meats are fresh and plentiful. Great cheese. And the bread is wonderful.
And to top it all off, if you're doing the low carb thing, they'll put every sandwich on a lettuce wrap. If you get the Italian on lettuce, it's like eating a rolled up antipasto salad! Amazing.
For me, Subway can't compete. And as a road warrior, Subway is a staple. I will also say that it's not fair to compare chains with local establishments.
Jimmy John's is good. Real good. And the fine lettuce = MONEY.
