Blimpie Sub Shop
Where: 20 Carlsborg Road, inside Carlsborg Shell Station
Open: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Grand opening: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14; includes discounts on sandwiches (look for a flier in mail)
More info: 681-2290
Earlier this summer, Jim and Julie Schumacher chose the Blimpie Way.
The owners of the Carlsborg Station opened the Blimpie Sub Shop inside the convenience store and gas station on July 31 and are hoping business will blow up.
“Things are always changing in this industry and we wanted something with a draw,” Julie said.
The couple said they wanted a brand, something distinct rather than Jim and Julie’s Sandwich Shop.
“We did a lot of investigating and we went to some Blimpie’s and we liked their product,” Jim said.
The sub shop offers deli subs, hot subs, panini subs, wraps and more.
Customers can order a sandwich and have it their way or the Blimpie Way, which includes tomato, lettuce, onion, oil and vinegar and oregano.
So far, customers are about 50/50 on what they choose, Jim said.
Their most popular sandwiches are the “Blimpie Best” with ham, salami, capicola, prosciuttini and provolone cheese, and the “Ultimate Club” with ham, turkey, bacon and Swiss cheese.
“Each sandwich is made when ordered and meats are sliced when you order,” Julie said. “That’s as fresh as you can get it.”
Organic vegetables come from Sunny Farms and breads are made daily by long-time station employee Jim McDonald.
Julie said he starts at 3 a.m. daily making the breads and station’s other hot foods.
Prior to opening the sub shop, Julie and McDonald trained in an Idaho Blimpie for two weeks learning many of the ins and outs.
More on the subs
The Schumachers opened the Carlsborg Station in April 29, 1999, operating the Shell station and convenience store.
They’ve lived on the Olympic Peninsula their whole lives.
The first Blimpie opened on April 4, 1964, in Hoboken, N.J., and franchises across the U.S. are operated under the Kahala Brands parent company, that also operates Cold Stone Creamery and Taco Time.
Jim said the closest Blimpie is in North Bend and the franchise is known to some customers.
“Some people recognize it and say they love it,” he said. “Other people have no idea what it is.”
Three people they’ve swayed are their sons who were big fans of another sandwich shop.
“Our children all love it (Blimpie),” Julie said.
Another distinction about the Carlsborg sandwich shop is a drive-thru.
Jim said they knew they would have limited parking so they built the drive-thru so that 6-7 cars could fit.
They also are looking to cater events offering a 3-foot or 6-foot BlimpieBlast sandwich, similar to a Blimpie Best sandwich, and trays of sandwiches.
The Schumachers also anticipate the franchise offering gluten-free breads in the future.
Overall, the couple is excited for the shop’s potential.
“I think this area is ideal with the (Clallam) PUD coming in and the industrial area down the road,” Jim said.
For more on the Blimpie in Carlsborg, call 681-2290 or visit the Carlsborg Station, 20 Carlsborg Road.
