'Steak Bomb,' french fries and more: New sub sandwich chain enters Jacksonville market

A West Palm Beach-based sandwich shop featuring made-to-order subs and french fries has opened its first Northeast Florida restaurant.

Jon Smith Subs — known for "The Steak Bomb" — debuted Monday at 4765 Hodges Blvd. in the Publix-anchored Windsor Commons shopping center near Butler Boulevard. The sandwich shop is the first of at least three that franchise owner Solomon Jones plans in the Jacksonville area.

Jones told the Times-Union that he recently finished the letter of intent for the second Jon Smith Subs at Sawgrass Plaza.

"Hopefully it will be under development very, very soon, late this summer and open up probably around the first quarter of 2024," Jones said. "The goal would be probably over the next two to three years, open up two more. Once I feel comfortable with these particular two."

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Jones said he doesn't want to rush the process. But he is on the lookout for potential future locations. He previously said among the possibilities are sites in South Jacksonville due to that area's growth and development. He's also looking at more centralized locations such as Riverside and Mandarin.

Jacksonville is at the forefront of a nationwide and global expansion of Jon Smith Subs, Robert Cvetkovski, company owner and chief executive officer, previously told the Times-Union.

"Our concept is a fast-casual design. But it's really designed for someone to come and have a nice experience versus just going, getting food and leaving," Cvetkovski has said. "We're designed for you to come and have an experience and a night out without breaking the piggy bank."

The Jacksonville location is among 11 Jon Smith Subs in Florida either already open or coming soon. Most are in South Florida. Founded in 1988 in Palm Beach County, the sandwich shop chain has an overall total of about 26 locations open or coming soon in a dozen states, according to its website.

Cvetkovski has noted 85% to 90% of customer orders are "for sandwiches coming off the grill."

Jon Smith Subs highlights its sandwiches with the advice "Bring Your Big Mouth."

On the menu at Jon Smith Subs

The Steak Bomb and Chicken Bomb sandwiches are customer favorites that have put Jon Smith Subs on the map, Jones said.

Grilled marinated sirloin steak and grilled marinated chicken breast trimmed, sliced, seasoned and marinated at the restaurant form the foundation of those subs, which are offered in 6-inch and 12-inch sizes.

Also topping the list of favorites, Jones said, is The Gator ($15.90), "a combination of the sirloin steak, the marinated chicken, and the kielbasa sausage, all with the [Jon Smith Subs] Swamp Sauce. It comes in 12-inch only. So, you either have to come really hungry or bring friends," he said.

All sandwiches are made fresh to order and are served on bread baked daily in-house with a choice of freshly chopped veggies.

"Everything is fresh. Nothing is coming in pre-made or pre-prepped …" he said, explaining what attracted him to become a Jon Smith Subs franchise owner.

Menu highlights include:

• Steak Bomb ($8.50 for six-inch, $13.95 for 12-inch): Marinated steak with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, provolone and mayo

• Chicken Bomb ($8.50, $13.95): Chicken breast, grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, provolone and mayo

• Cajun Steak ($8.25, $13.30): Marinated steak with grilled onions and jalapeno with spicy Cajun seasoning, hickory sauce, provolone and mayo

• Garden Veggie Deli Classic ($7.50, $11.95): Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and mayo

• Pastrami Bomb ($8.40, $13.95): Hot pastrami with grilled onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon, tomatoes, provolone and mayo

Vegetarian options such as grilled veggies, plant-based sausage and plant-based meatball subs also are offered. Sandwich bowls, salads and cookies round out the menu, he said.

Don't want chips as a side? Jon Smith Subs offers fries — available in three sizes — made to order, he said.

Jones, who has an extensive financial background, spent the first 26 years of his career working in the food industry. He said he was inspired to become a Jon Smith Subs franchisee because of its high-quality sandwiches and business model.

The uniqueness of offering fresh fries — something generally not found at other sandwich shops — also was a factor Jones said that attracted him to the brand.

"It's going to be a fun, family environment," said Jones, noting big-screen televisions will be up on the walls and music will be playing. "It's a place where people can come and eat a sandwich, watch a football game, baseball game and basketball game and just enjoy the family environment."

Jon Smith Subs is open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on Twitter @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jon Smith Subs opens first Jacksonville restaurant