By Jennifer Newman, Staff Writer
The familiar routine of grabbing a quick sandwich at River Hill Village Center is about to change. After years as a go-to lunch spot, Subway has closed and is being replaced by Jersey Mike’s, a move that is already sparking strong reactions from River Hill High School students.
This change is more than just a new restaurant. Jersey Mike’s is arriving with a direct connection to the school through a fundraiser that allows students to donate three dollars in exchange for a free regular-sized sandwich. It was announced during school lunches and cards were handed out to use when purchasing a sub. The deal has quickly become one of the most talked-about aspects of the opening, combining affordability with school support.
Senior Sean Smole has had a closer look at how the fundraiser is coming together, as his mom is part of the school’s Boosters organization and is helping coordinate the event. He explained that a lot of planning has gone into making sure students can easily participate.
“It’s a really good opportunity for everyone,” Sean says. “You’re basically paying three dollars for a full sandwich, and that money goes back to the school. A lot of people are excited because it’s cheap and it actually helps something.” He also notes that the goal is to get as many students involved as possible, which could make it one of the more successful school fundraisers this year.
Some students already have experience with Jersey Mike’s and are especially excited about its arrival. Senior Ella Pruett, a member of the cheer team, shared that the team relied on Jersey Mike’s during competition season, where having reliable meals was important during long and demanding days.
“We had it for our competition meals, and it was really good,” she explains. “When you’re competing all day, you need something filling, and it actually kept us going,” Ella added that compared to other food options like Chick-fil-A, Jersey Mike’s felt like a better choice. She explained that heavier or greasier food sometimes made the team feel sluggish or a little sick during competitions, while Jersey Mike’s felt lighter and more balanced. Having that difference made it easier for them to stay energized and focused throughout the day.
Others are also excited simply because they see the change as an upgrade. Junior Ava Stephenson says she immediately felt really happy when she heard the news. “I’m really excited Jersey Mike’s is opening,” she says. “It just feels like better food overall. I like all the options and just the taste in general of Jersey Mike’s better than Subway or any other sandwich shop.”
For students like Ava, the new restaurant represents variety and a step up in quality, which could make it a more popular lunch spot for River Hill students or any member of the River Hill community.
Not every reaction to the replacement has been completely positive, as some students are still attached to Subway and what it offered. Junior Lindsay Yu, in particular, said she preferred the old option, since she “actually liked Subway better.” She explains how “it was familiar, and I always knew what I was going to get. Jersey Mike’s is good too, I guess, but it’s just different.”
A main reason Yu is not so excited for the swap is because “Jersey Mike’s doesn’t have a build your own sandwich option like Subway did, which was what I would get at Subway every time.” Yu explained how as a pickier eater, the option to choose exactly what goes on her sandwich was helpful. She says that while she is open to trying the new restaurant, it will take time to adjust to the change.
During its opening days, Jersey Mike’s is already becoming more than just another place to eat. It is tied to school fundraising, team traditions and student opinions in a way that makes it part of the River Hill experience. Whether students are excited, hesitant or somewhere in between, the transition marks a noticeable shift in everyday life at the Village Center. With the promise of affordable deals, strong reviews from students and a direct impact on the school community, Jersey Mike’s is set to make an immediate impression. One thing is certain: when the doors open, there will be plenty of River Hill students ready to see if the new spot lives up to the hype.