Subs Rising

Our reviews tend toward the locally owned establishments. By the time a national or regional franchise makes it to town, most already know of if from travels. And so it was with Lenny's Sub Shop. If not for its recent marketing pitch of their signature condiment, Lenny's Hot Pepper Relish, I would have had not reason to drop in. What's special about yet another sub shop, eh?

Chalk it up to another coup for advertising and marketing. This hot relish is made with whole diced cherry peppers, which are much spicier than banana peppers, yet milder than jalapenos. I can tell you first hand that it certainly adds a zing to any sandwich, salad or other dish.

Len and Sheila Moore began selling subs and Philly Cheesesteaks in their Sub King Restaurant on the boardwalk in Wildwood, NJ, in 1979. And while Len went on to lead a distinguished career in the restaurant industry, they kept the desire to return to the fun days of sandwich making.

They satisfied that dream in 1998 when they opened the original Lenny's Sub Shop in Bartlett, TN, and today the expansion of Lenny's Sub Shops continue throughout the country.

My introduction to Lenny's (apart from the Pepper Relish) was for lunch with an Italian Sub and, of course, the Philly Cheesesteak.

The eat-in/take-out men/delivery menu offers sandwiches on fresh baked white or whole wheat roll: Cold Subs (Regular, Italian, Roast Beef, Turkey, Club, Deluxe Club, Homemade Chicken Salad, Homemade Tuna Salad, Veggie), Hot Sandwiches (Italian Meatball, Philly Cheesesteak, Grilled Chicken Philly, Grilled Footlong Hot Dog), From the Sandwich Board (Mile High Turkey, Ham & Swiss, Roast Beef & Cheese, Homemade Chicken Salad, Homemade Tuna Salad), Salads (Chicken or Tuna Salad, Chef Salad, Grilled Philly Salad, Chicken or Beef), Kid's Meal (Turkey & Cheese, Ham & Cheese, Meatball, Hot Dog) and Other Stuff (Chips, Fresh Baked Cookies).

You name it, Lenny's makes in on a bun with all the extras.

Lenny's is located on the east side of Fontana Shopping Center. Entering, the atmosphere was very friendly and most accommodating. Orders are taken at a counter. The Philly Cheesesteak was a must--I ordered the regular (7 1/2 inches of approximately a half pound of meat and cheese) for $5.75; the large--$9.25--is 15 inches and contains about a pound of meat and cheese.

The Italian Sub (which has "Our Favorite" next to it) has loads of Provolone, Ham, Prosciutto, Capicola, Genoa Salami. It was recommended that I add tomato, lettuce, onion and the Hot Pepper Relish--which I did.

I can see why the Italian Sub is a favorite--the excellent meat was layered high, blending well with the Provolone, and the relish was the crowning touch, which put it on another level for subs. The sandwich was filling, fresh and most enjoyable.

Still, the Philly Cheesesteak is something every sub lover must experience. This hot sandwich was packed with thinly sliced beef with sautéed onions and green bell peppers, and lots of melted cheese. Each bite of this sandwich was rich and moist, packed with flavor.

The people at Lenny's very friendly and service-oriented. The dining room is clean and welcoming. Lenny's also caters all types of events. Pick up a jar of Lenny's Hot Pepper Relish for home--as a dip or as an ingredient for most any dish.

With a sweet ice tea and a bag of chips, this lunch was an excellent choice and definitely a place I'll return to sample more subs.

Lenny's Sub Shop

4980 S. Memorial

270-2500

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10:30am-8pm

Sat. 10:30am-6pm

Rating:

Atmosphere ****

Food *****

Service *****