The new Jersey Mike’s Subs at Riverdale Park Station will hold a fundraiser for Joe’s Movement Emporium as part of its grand opening today, August 1, through Sunday, August 5.

The latest addition to the casual dining scene along the Route 1 corridor, Jersey Mike’s is distributing 15,000 coupons offering a free regular sub in exchange for a $2 contribution to the Mount Rainier nonprofit, which offers dance and theater performances, camps and after-care programs.

Kyle Yancey, vice president of Jersey Mike’s Washington operations and a resident of Hyattsville, told the Hyattsville Wire he was looking for a local nonprofit to support during its grand opening as a way to give back to the community. “Joe’s came highly recommended and I was sold once I actually visited,” he said. “It’s awesome what they do for the communities we serve.”

Started in 1956, the New Jersey-based chain has 1,500 restaurants open or under development around the country and was named the fastest-growing Limited Service Chain and fastest-growing Sandwich Chain in 2018 by Nation’s Restaurant News. The new Riverdale Park Station location will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.

It joins a number of national chains that have expanded to the Route 1 corridor in recent months, including Blaze Pizza and Lotsa Stone-Fired Pizza in College Park and Habit Burger and MOD Pizza at Riverdale Park Station. Along with the renovation of the Mall at Prince Georges and other projects, the expansions are a sign that national businesses have recognized the economic potential of the area in and around the Route 1 corridor.

Yancey added that he hopes to do future fundraisers. “We look forward to anchoring ourselves in the community with fundraisers,” he said. “I challenge people who are interested to think outside of the box … anything we can do that helps support and makes sense and is fun for those involved I’m all for!”

Update: Route 1 corridor residents raised $3,928 for Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier during this fundraiser at the new Jersey Mike’s at Riverdale Park Station.