Jimmy John’s sandwich chain is coming to the Shoppes at Arts District Hyattsville.
Signs on the windows of an empty commercial space on the first floor of one of the Palette Apartments buildings show the Illinois-based chain’s characteristic “Coming Soon!” ads.
That makes sense, since restaurant franchises like to locate near each other and there is a Chipotle next door. The two serve a similar demographic, putting a slightly more upscale spin to a lunchtime standard.
The nearest Jimmy John’s is on Route 1 in College Park.
Update: Franchise owner Matt Wampler, who owns the College Park restaurant as well, said he expects to start hiring in September and open in October.
Wampler lives in Silver Spring, but he moved not too long ago from College Park.
“We used to spend a lot of time at Franklin’s and loved watching the Arts District grow,” he said.
Another chain. Sigh. And one that’s less than 10 minutes up the road. SO much for uniqueness and variety. So, let’s see, we have Chipotle, Subway, and now Jimmy John’s. Any local proprietors with something unique to offer want to step to the plate? A good example is Pizza Paradiso. Walking recently in Old Town, it was refreshing to see so many unique shops. I hope the Arts District can muster a feel different from the vanilla town centers sprouting up all over the area. It would be great if a NY Style Deli was leased instead. At least they offer more than just sandwhiches and chips.