A longtime local sandwich shop has a new name, a new owner and a familiar face behind the counter.
The Submarine Factory, Inc. has opened at 9851 S. Pulaski Road, taking over the former site of Wojo’s and continuing a neighborhood tradition of quick, hearty meals. The business marked its new chapter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 3 alongside Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke.
Owner Agustin Romero said the moment was years in the making.
“I have more than 25 years in the industry and it has always been my dream to have my own business,” Romero said.
Romero is no stranger to the shop or the work. He previously worked at Wojo’s and at Mr. Sub on Western Avenue before purchasing the Evergreen Park location and rebranding it under a name that reflects his decades in the sandwich business.
“We decided the name was very fitting,” said his daughter, Vanessa Romero.
The Romero family, longtime Chicago residents, officially opened The Submarine Factory on March 25. While the name has changed, much of what customers loved remains.
“We kept a lot of the burgers and 14 of the most popular shake flavors,” Vanessa Romero said.
In addition to its signature subs, the menu features salads, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and a wide variety of milkshakes. The most popular sandwich is the Factory Sub, made with ham, salami and a blend of spices.
Romero has a personal favorite: the Elvis milkshake, a blend of peanut butter, banana and chocolate. His daughter has her own recommendation.
“I highly recommend trying the Cookie Dough shake,” she said.
Other customer favorites include the strawberry banana milkshake, adding to a lineup designed to appeal to both longtime patrons and new visitors.
The Submarine Factory is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
With a mix of familiar flavors and a fresh start, the Romero family hopes the shop will continue to serve as a go-to spot in the Evergreen Park community.
I sure hope their burgers are better than the last owners. This place was great when they moved here from Midlothian. But then the owner sold the business and it was down hill since then. Bring back some great burgers and your business will be booming. Cater to the people who will make your business successful and not just the high school kids from across the street.