Oct. 6—Jessica Kerslake, partner and vice president of operations at the Jersey Mike's in East Norwegian Twp., cuts the ribbon during a ceremony with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

POTTSVILLE — Customers crowded the newly opened Jersey Mike's Subs on Wednesday to get a taste of Schuylkill County's latest sub shop.

Several business and community leaders turned out for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the formal opening of the restaurant at 378 Pottsville Saint Clair Highway in East Norwegian Twp.

"We're always very excited to welcome new, successful businesses and franchises to our community," said Robert S. Carl Jr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. "Jersey Mike's premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread."

With about 2,000 stores throughout the country, the New Jersey-based sub franchise offers an expansive menu of cold and hot subs and cheesesteaks. Patrons often order their sandwiches "Mike's Way," the signature blend of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend and spices.

Customers at the Pottsville store can participate in two fundraisers through Oct. 14 to support the Schuylkill United Way.

Through the first fundraiser, valid through Sunday, customers who obtained a coupon can get a free regular sub if they donate a minimum of $3 to the United Way with a fundraising coupon. Each coupon is limited to one person per visit. No more coupons are available.

The second fundraiser, valid through Oct. 14, features a series of coupons that can be found on the Schuylkill United Way Facebook page. Jersey Mike's will donate $2 to the United Way for each coupon redeemed.

"We're thrilled to be here, working with the United Way, and their influence locally is just huge," Jersey Mike's franchise owner Gerrit Curran said. "We're founded and rooted in giving back and raising money, and this is a small step in that direction."

Since 2010, Jersey Mike's stores throughout the country have raised nearly $90 million for local charities, according to Carl.

"Making the sub sandwiches is the easy part — we know how good it is," Curran said, "but getting the community and our team is really what it's about."

Also on hand for the opening were state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp.; Schuylkill County commissioners Barron "Boots" L. Hetherington and Gary J. Hess; Kim Lorimer, vice president of the Evans Network of Companies; and Kelly K. Malone, Becky Woods and Christine Johnson of the Schuylkill United Way.

Malone thanked Jersey Mike's for opening a store in Schuylkill County and for its extensive community outreach efforts.

"By choosing Schuylkill United Way as your nonprofit recipient, the dollars raised here stay here," she said, "and they will serve over 65,000 men, women and children in need right here in our community."

The Jersey Mike's in Pottsville is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Local sub enthusiasts packed the store Wednesday morning to try out the sandwiches.

Dom Maccarone, of Cumbola, ordered a large Super Sub, which comes with provolone, ham, prosciuttini and cappacuolo.

"The subs are really good," Maccarone said. "They cut it fresh for you."

The restaurant filled about 40 orders during its first hour, according to Curran.

"We're off to a great start," he said.

Anyone interested in career or fundraising opportunities with Jersey Mike's in Pottsville can contact Jessica Kerslake, vice president of operations, at Jessica@ikigairestaurants.com.

(Updated to note that no more coupons are available.)

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085