Jimmy John’s, the popular American sandwich brand known for its premium menu and high-quality ingredients, has officially opened its first Canadian location Sherway Gardens at 197 North Queen St., Etobicoke.
The grand opening event was held Nov. 19.
Media and select guests gained access to the store at 9 a.m., to explore the store and see production in action.
The very first customer arrived at 7 a.m., telling everyone about his good memories with the brand back in the USA. A line continued to form in anticipation of the 11 a.m. opening.
Of course, those waiting in line did not go away unhappy, as Jimmy John’s offered the first 200 guests a complimentary six-inch Classic sandwich and a 16oz beverage—a deal no one wanted to miss.
The store, which took around 20 months to come out from the paper, is a welcoming space filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread.
Freshness is, in fact, a cornerstone of Jimmy John’s.
“The sandwich of sandwiches” has this reputation due to its ingredients: premium meats, fresh bread, and fresh vegetables sliced in-house daily.
Peter Mammas, president and CEO of Foodastic, the company behind the brand’s Canadian expansion, believes their bold flavors and diverse menu are what will keep customers returning.
The menu features a mix of classic cold-cut sandwiches and signature creations, with 15 sandwiches available in two sizes: regular (six-inch) and giant (12-inch).
Classics include turkey, BLT, tuna, and veggie options, while the signature lineup includes ranch, chili, buffalo chicken sandwiches, and the meatball option – featuring tender meatballs topped with marinara, melted provolone, and parmesan cheese on toasted garlic butter bread.
Guests can choose between Jimmy John’s fresh-baked bread or the carb-friendly “unwich” lettuce wrap. There is also the option to toast any sandwich on the menu, a new feature they are introducing in the Canadian market.
To complement the combo, the brand’s signature Jimmy Chips, made from fresh potatoes, are also available in regular, jalapeño, and salt and vinegar options.
The standout choice of the day was a signature sandwich: the chicken bacon ranch, featuring shredded chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and arugula.
The bread truly stands out; despite being robust, it isn’t heavy. It holds the filling perfectly without making the chewing process difficult. The cheese is melted, embracing the filling as a whole. And the special touch is really the ranch dressing, making everything creamy and adding a unique flavor.
Known for its speedy service, Jimmy John’s did not disappoint. The order was ready in under five minutes, delivered hot and fresh.
While the grand opening experience is polished, a follow-up visit will reveal how the service holds up daily. So far, the experience suggests the brand’s high standards will remain consistent—a reputation earned worldwide.
Jimmy John’s debut in Canada is part of its international expansion, following openings in El Salvador in September and South Korea in October.
More Canadian and international stores are planned for 2025.
To try these sandwiches, guests can order in-store, on JimmyJohns.ca, or through the Jimmy John’s app, which features the Jimmy John’s Rewards program.
The menu is also available on Uber Eats and Skip.
