I'm writing about an experience at the Jersey Mike's in Issaquah, Washington, and what appears to be an issue with how gluten-free hot orders affect grill production and promised pickup times. I ordered a regular cheesesteak at 5:49 PM. Nothing in my order was gluten-free. The ordering system gave me a promised pickup time of 6:04 PM. I ultimately walked out with my sandwich at approximately 6:25 PM -- 36 minutes after ordering and about 21 minutes after the promised pickup time. The employees explained that the delay occurred because a gluten-free hot sub had been ordered. They told me that when this happens, stopping normal grill production and cleaning the grill is standard procedure before preparing the gluten-free order. I want to be clear: I have no problem with accommodating customers who need gluten-free food, and I don't fault the employees for following the procedures they've been given. My concern is with the process. If stopping and cleaning the grill whenever a gluten-free hot sandwich is ordered is Jersey Mike's standard procedure, then this is a known and predictable reduction in grill capacity. The ordering system already knows that a gluten-free hot sandwich has entered the queue. Why doesn't it account for the additional procedure when calculating promised pickup times for the other hot orders? My order was accepted at 5:49 PM and promised for 6:04 PM. If the restaurant's required procedure meant that the grill could not realistically produce my sandwich until approximately 6:25 PM, the system should not have promised 6:04 PM. I would also appreciate clarification of the gluten cross-contact procedure itself. Jersey Mike's acknowledges that cross-contact can occur in its restaurants. I understand why physically cleaning a shared grill can reduce gluten cross-contact; gluten is a protein, so simply heating the grill does not eliminate it. However, this raises a reasonable question: If a gluten-free hot sandwich requires stopping production and cleaning the entire grill, why doesn't a gluten-free cold sandwich require stopping production and cleaning the entire cold-sub preparation station? I understand that clean gloves, clean utensils, paper barriers and other procedures can reduce cross-contact for cold sandwiches without shutting down the entire station. I would like to understand why localized cross-contact controls are considered appropriate for a gluten-free cold sandwich while, according to the Issaquah employees, an entire grill shutdown and cleaning is required for a gluten-free hot sandwich. I am not suggesting that Jersey Mike's eliminate reasonable gluten-free precautions. If cleaning the entire grill is the procedure Jersey Mike's has determined is appropriate, then employees should certainly follow it. But the operational consequences of that procedure should be incorporated into the ordering system. For reference: Ordered: 5:49 PM Promised: 6:04 PM Received/departed: approximately 6:25 PM Delay beyond promised time: approximately 21 minutes My concern is not with the gluten-free customer or with the Issaquah employees. It is with a system that apparently does not account for a standard procedure that can temporarily stop normal grill production, yet continues to provide customers with pickup times the restaurant cannot meet. I would appreciate clarification on two points: 1. Is stopping normal grill production and cleaning the entire grill for every gluten-free hot sandwich actually Jersey Mike's corporate procedure, as I was told at the Issaquah location? 2. If it is, why isn't the resulting reduction in grill capacity reflected in the promised pickup times generated by the ordering system? Thank you. I would appreciate a response explaining both the food-preparation policy and how Jersey Mike's intends its stores to manage the resulting impact on customer wait times. read more

Yumm. Staff really upbeat today. Came in for my double points deal today. We ordered a large Big Kahuna ( Philly Chz steak) and split it. It's cheaper that way if u both want the same! Soooo good and hot as snot boy with the melty cheese!! Hit the spot. Lots of folks coming in and getting to go orders. And it's really cold in here! Had hubby get my jacket out of vehicle and bring back in. read more

Jersey Mike's Subs - Large Big Kahuna!! Yummm - Fast Food Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I was already an occasional patron and casual fan of the Jersey Mike's, but the staff at this location has helped strengthen my admiration for the chain. Since the location opened, I've experienced nothing but friendly, helpful service--and, of course, expertly crafted sandwiches. This location has been hiring well and must be doing right by their employees. Keep up the excellent work! read more

Professionalism is a hard concept to grasp here. Open conversations as patrons are 10 feet behind them complaining about orders that were made before close, laughing & speaking down on those who decided to place them, etc. The best part about it ? Their manager on shift was the epicenter of it all. We chose to take our business elsewhere considering said statements extended to our decision on taking a chance at an order - acknowledging very well how they felt about receiving business of any sort that required them to put their gloves on. Safe to say that this was not what Mike intended for the public. read more

Called in at 7:02am to see if I could place a catering order and someone answered to take my order. It was prepped and ready to go when I arrived for my pick up at 10:30am. Will use this location again in the future. read more

Sebastian & Aaron we're great & know how to prepare our subs!We love this location,food always comes out fresh - yummy Definitely recommend this location ! read more

Walked in there and immediately saw a rat scurry behind the counter. I tried to tell the manager about it, but he gaslit me and told me that I hadn't seen anything. I think it might be his pet, and he was scared that he got caught. The experience was so upsetting that I might never step foot into any Jersey Mike's ever again! Place smelled like actual feces, I think the rat has been pooping everywhere. read more

I had an excellent veggie sandwich here a couple evenings ago. It had swiss and provolone cheese, lettuce , green peppers, pickles, onions, mayo, dijon and really good bread. That six-incher really filled me up too! The service was quick and professional as well. They keep their store clean, which makes dining in much nicer. I'll be stopping in again soon. read more

Nothing is really off here, I know they're relatively new compared to the other location(s?) in the area--like University Place is more nostalgic for me, couldn't say why, and they shouldn't have tons of double check with you about your orders, but, maybe they could suggest a sauce to pair with the Mike's classic Cheesesteak, since I had no idea it is considered *wet enough* sans condiment. In fact, maybe mall nostalgia is better than anything anymore? Hope this one stays around long enough for me to remember. read more

One of my coworkers wanted a sandwich, SO we ordered for pick up, with some hesitation. WHY?????? Every time we order sandwiches from this location, 2 of us, get an upset stomach, basically 15 minutes after eating just half the sandwich. Idk why????? It'll be another 4+ months before ordering from this location. read more

Workers were not mindful of my gluten allergy. Had a bit of wait on our order even though we ordered ahead. Overall not impressed but definitely not the worst experience I've had. read more

Yesterday was my first experience at Jersey Mike's. Honestly, the 55 with juice on the side lacked flavor; I'm unsure if it was my order or the preparation. The shop was quite messy, with food scattered around, and the veggies were mixed, posing a risk of cross-contamination. On a positive note, the staff was friendly. read more

Walked in tonight 20 minutes before closing and was told they would not make me a sandwich. Even though there were still other customers in store eating and another ordering food. Open sign still on and door unlocked. read more

Contrary to some of the other reviews my experience was exceptional. The staff greeted me when I walked in the door, helped me right away even though there were several people in line in front of me, and they were all pleasant and didn't seem bored or not busy. My sandwich was excellent, I appreciate that they have a mini for people that have a smaller appetite and don't want to have a whole sandwich to throw away what they can't eat. I had the BLT and asked not to have cold bacon on there and they happily obliged with giving me bacon that was just off of the grill. read more

I'll give this place a little love--I've ordered online twice from them now, and both times the order was right and ready before the set time. Friendly service, great sandwiches, and quick in-and-out--couldn't ask for much more. read more

This is a 2 week old location but there is no excuse but a lack of training!! I got to the new location and placed an online order in while in the store the app said it's normal 15 min. At the end of 25 min I expected to have my sandwich and thought the young man was briny it up. I asked if that was mine and he said no! At which time I found out he hadn't even started on mine and he had my receipt hanging in front the whole time!!! read more

I enjoy the food but on Saturday Sept 23rd I ordered food online, it said it would be ready at 2:44pm I get there at 2:55pm my food was not made yet, due to them being behind (that's understandable) but when another customer asked me how long I had been waiting and I answered, one of the employees chimes in with an attitude and starts to argue with me in front of other customers. She was very unprofessional and rude! If a customer is upset about something the last thing you should do is go back and forth with them and be disrespectful. I most likely won't be going back to that location due to that poor experience and horrible customer service. read more

The manager here's disrespectful and impatient. I have never been to a jersey mikes and was told how warming and patient the employees are. Did not have that experience one bit. I ordered a giant 13 with lots of toppings. Manager was one word responding, rolling eyes, sighing, etcetera. My sanwich was poorly handled and wrapped sloppy. Rest of the staff were welcoming. read more

I would have given 4 stars for the building being extremely cold. However the food and the employees are so professional and my food was made exactly how I like it without any complaints from the employees. Not only where they super nice they were beyond hygienic and even put gloves on just to hand me extra paper. I would have taken a photo but I already ate my food. It was that good, I had almost a pound of lettuce only sandwich and an inch and a half of meat. It was amazing and I'll come by more often. Best Jersey Mikes in 50 miles read more

The sun shines directly into the faces of its employees blinding them while making sandwiches and trying to interface with customers. I've emailed corporate several weeks ago and still no blinds installed. Complete lack of respect for its employees! The sandwiches are good, but it's hard for me to enjoy them watching the staff suffer through such work conditions. read more

Y'all should hire a new person to answer your phones. Did we forget you're in the customer service industry?! Rude. Literally hung up on me and all I did was ask if I could have ranch added to my sandwich since it's not an option on Uber Eats. I would call this person out but they didn't even say their name when they answered the phone lol. read more

Horrible. I usually have no issue ordering salads from Jersey Mikes because I am gluten intolerant. I know that cross contamination is something that may not even be avoidable in a sandwich shop but they were not even trying the place was filthy, there was bread crumbs and chunks in the secondary prep station where food for people with intolerance is prepared, like huge bread chunks covering the pickles I could see from over 7 feet away on the other side of the counter when they were prepping on the back counter. The shift manager was confrontational and combative and did not give me a receipt when I checked out. The food prep area in entirety was filthy the floor, the counters the secondary food prep area. I kept asking her to get food from the back ( pointing to the cooler area in the back) she told me that was the back ( the secondary food prep counter) but a different staff member told me later other food took longer to make for my family because they had to get stuff from the back and pointed to the back area where the cooler and office was. My husband tried to talk to the shift manager and she said that since there was no guarantee of no cross contamination they were unwilling to try to accommodate my request for a sale above and beyond the vegetables that were clearly covered in bread crumbs and chunks they had scooped back in when they were wiping down the area. It was pretty gross overall and the customer service was deplorable. I eat at other jersey mikes weekly and never have had such a horrible experience. This was ridiculous when it would have taken them no more then two minutes to get fresh ingredient from the cooler that were not covered in bread crumbs and not argue about it. Ps I normally leave a 25% tip since I know it is an inconvenience to get ingredients from the back I try to apologize and be as kind as possible so I can have a rare treat of eating out, but this was so wild I can't imagine eating here for my family in the future that can eat gluten, if they are so gross about how unclean they have it even when it's kind of busy( only three people in line behind us and a staff of 5 on shift) And yes I worked in food service for years I know what it is like, so yeah. They were even resistant about not charging me for the salad I ordered, I mean, seriously I stoped the princess when she out the first ingredient on the lettuce because I could see the huge bread chunks covering the pickles. Why would they want to charge me when there was zero loss just a cancelled order, the meat had not even been sliced and they were VERY clear that zero exception would be made for gluten free beside taking lettuce from a drawer. Heck I could have built a whole sandwich with all the bread chunks covering those pickles read more

Jersey Mike's Subs - For your convenience a copy of their reported health code violation - Fast Food Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I love Jersey Mikes and understand when opening a new business there are going to be kinks, BUT this was a disaster!!! Literally, when ordering the staff didn't have a clue. One employee literally staring out into space while the other must have come from Subway. Cutting the wrong size of bread and couldn't figure out how to slice. The manager approached and told the employee it was the wrong size and then told the employee to transfer the toppings to the other bread. The employee transferred everything, but the cheese. Also, couldn't figure out how to get the toppings to stay on. It was actually kind of funny. I received a very nice coupon for a free sandwich if I donated to the Boys and Girls Club - which by the way, I was happy to support such a wonderful organization. Not realizing the offer was for a regular, I ordered a mini. At the register the employee told me I couldn't use the coupon because of the wrong size of sandwich. Made me chuckle because wouldn't that have saved you money? Anyway, I paid for my order and did not leave a donation. I think I'll go back to the store in Lakewood. read more