Erberts and Gerberts vs. Jimmy Johns

I just recently moved back to Brainerd from California. In California I developed a taste for Italian sandwiches. There was a little deli across the street from the place I worked. They had the best Italian sandwiches. The bread was flaky and freshly baked, and the meat was the highest quality. The kicker though was the light drizzle of olive oil they put on before they finished the sandwich.

Moving back I set of in search of a good Italian sandwich. There are two new sandwich shops that sprung up while I was away, Erberts and Gerberts and Jimmy Johns. I decided to get an Italian sub at each restaurant and compare the two. I judged them in four different categories: service, food quality, atmosphere and price.

Service:
E and B's is the clear winner here. I walked in and was instantly greeted with a warm hello. I arrived in the middle of the lunch rush, and although there were busy, the employees made me feel right at home. While taking my order the server was polite and courteous and repeated my order to make sure it was right. They receive an A in the service department.

Jimmy Johns on the other hand receive a solid D. We were not greeted when we walked in the door. The server never even asked if she could help me. I had to make the first move and tell her what I wanted. Not only did she look like she had been on an all night bender, she was rude. She had a little trouble hearing me when I ordered and instead of asking for me to please repeat the order, she answered in a loud, " what?! I can't here you!" I had to repeat my order 3 times.

Food Quality:
I ordered the house Italian sandwich at both restaurants. They were very comparable, yet each one had there own little twist. E and B's did something I have never seen before, they scooped out the center of the bread so the toppings fit in the inside. Then they took the soft bread and flattened it on the top of the sandwich to hold the two halves together. It was perfect to dip in the cup of soup I had with my sandwich. JJ's had their signature Italian dressing. It was tangy with just a hint of sweetness, the perfect complement to the fresh cut meat. The food portion was a wash with each restaurant scoring a B+. E and B's did have a greater menu selection but I was just judging the one sandwich.

Atmosphere:
Each restaurant had its own vibe. E and B's was wide open and there was a lot of space between tables. It was almost to large. The sandwich pick-up was also very awkward. You had to walk behind a screen to pick up your order. The colors were mellow and relaxing but were the only plus to the restaurant layout.

JJ's was designed in the style of a more traditional fast food restaurant. The colors were brights and the tables were crowded. The pop machine was tucked in the back corner. It was a hassle to get to. There weren't even napkins available without asking.

Price:
E and B's was about a dollar more expensive for the same sandwich.

Based on my review I would have to say that Erberts and Gerberts was the winner. The food was pretty much the same, and the atmosphere wasn't the greatest in both places. It was the service that was the deciding factor. Even if the food is mediocre, good service will keep me coming back time over time.