Jimmy John’s rolled out two Toasted Pizza Sandwiches Monday, the first introductions on its new toasted platform since it launched earlier this year.
The Toasted Sicilian Pizza Sandwich layers salami, capocollo and ham with melted mozzarella, marinara and oregano-basil seasoning, while the vegetarian Toasted Three Cheese Pizza Sandwich is filled with mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan, finished with marinara and the same seasoning.
The limited-time sandwiches are promoted as handheld, toasted and with cheese pulls “you can take on the go.”
“Who says you have to pick between pizza and a toasted sandwich?” said Kate Carpenter, VP of Marketing at Jimmy John’s, in an email to Restaurant Business. “Jimmy John’s Toasted Pizza Sandwiches give our fans the best of both worlds—our perfectly toasted French bread, zesty marinara sauce, premium toppings and of course, a melty mozzarella cheese pull.”
TikTok first catapulted cheese pulls to fame with fans videoing the stretchability of Chili’s Fried Mozzarella. Chili’s cheese pulls became a viral sensation, garnering millions of views and shares and driving sales at the casual-dining chain.
Jimmy John’s isn’t shy about jumping on the lure of the cheese pull. The Atlanta-based sandwich chain is marketing the LTO sandwiches with a poster that broadcasts the connection.
The toasted platform launched in March with three sandwiches—Chicken Bacon Ranch, Ultimate Italian and Roast Beef & Cheddar—but customers can request any sandwich to be toasted now. Prices start at $8.59.
At the time, Jimmy John’s admitted in a press release to be “fashionably late to the Toasted Party,” but toasting equipment had to be added to the chain’s 2,500-plus locations nationwide and the hot subs were in test for 1½ years. Previously, the chain served only cold sandwiches and prided itself on being “freaky fast,” but toasting adds an extra step.
Jimmy John’s sees the toasted platform as a springboard for new menu items and expects “endless opportunities for innovation ahead,” according to the company.
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