Groton — Jersey Mike’s Subs announced that on Wednesday it will open its first location in Groton: at 258 Route 12, next to the soon-to-open Chipotle.

“We are really excited about opening our newest location in Groton,” Mitchell Thomson, Jersey Mike’s franchise owner with Kayla Thomson, said in a statement. “Our operating partner, Brett Brayman, and our team are committed to serving high quality sub sandwiches to all our customers."

Being so close to the Navy base, "we are proud to partner up with Take A Vet Fishing, in support of our military families," he said. "We look forward to showing our Groton community the power of a sub sandwich, through our great service and charitable culture.”

Mitchell Thomson said by phone that the Groton store will be the eighth location that he and his wife have opened. In New London County, they also own the Jersey Mike’s location in Waterford.

Mitchell, 38, a Fairfield resident who started with Jersey Mike's when he was 14 and has held various positions with the company, said he lived in Groton the first year he ran the Waterford store, which he bought from a different franchisee four years ago, and always had a strong tie with the Navy, Coast Guard Academy and business from Electric Boat. He said it’s been on his mind to open a store in Groton if the right spot became available.

Mitchell said New England represents the fastest growing sector for the sub sandwich company based in Manasquan, N.J. There are 18 Jersey Mike's locations in Connecticut and 36 in New England. Overall, Jersey Mike’s, which has its origins in a sub sandwich shop that opened in Point Pleasant, N.J., in the 1950s, has more than 2,500 locations, according to the company.

The Groton location is next to a new Chipotle, which is slated to open within the next two weeks, according to Chipotle spokesperson Tyler Benson.

According to the news release, from Wednesday to Sunday, the Groton Jersey Mike’s will offer a fundraiser in support of military families. Customers who have a fundraising coupon can make at least a $2 donation to Take A Vet Fishing, a New Branford-based nonprofit, to receive a regular sub.

“In addition, 5,000 mailers will be sent to residents around the store offering special sub deals to be redeemed Aug. 19-23,” the release stated. “For each redeemed coupon, Jersey Mike’s will donate $1 to the charity.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Mitchell said Jersey Mike’s has been very conscious of keeping its stores clean with social distancing in place and following the guidelines to serve customers safely.

Customers can order takeout in the store, call ahead or place orders on the Jersey Mike's website or app. There are also delivery options available through the app or third-party apps, he said.

k.drelich@theday.com 

If you go

What: Jersey Mike's Subs

Where: 258 Route 12, Groton

When: The restaurant opens Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020, and will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

Contact: (860) 574-8080