Spring Break
The Daily OrangeMarshall Street | Jimmy John's reopens under new management
By Darren Benda
Posted: 8/30/07, 11:49 PM EST Section: News
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Last year, all Syracuse University students lost the opportunity to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread when Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches closed in December 2006.
Seven months later, the campus favorite reopened under new ownership, offering a brighter, cleaner and friendlier atmosphere to the same Marshall Street location. Jimmy John's sign invites customers to take full advantage of "Free Smells" once again.
Dan Hazekamp, who ran Jimmy John's stores in Las Vegas the past two years, is the new owner.
"I was approved to be a franchisee for Jimmy John's and heard about the closing here," he said. "And I thought, there was an opportunity."
However, Hazekamp didn't have any insight as to why the previous Jimmy John's closed.
"I have never spoken with the previous owner," he said.
Former SU student and current Jimmy John's employee Ryan Deuel claims that the previous owner had fallen behind financially.
"The owner was in debt to not only his employees but also the IRS for unpaid taxes," Deuel said. "The final straw was when the (landlord) kicked him out because he had fallen behind on rent."
Moreover, Deuel said he isn't surprised that Jimmy John's reopened, saying it was a "fantastic business," regardless of its previous owner.
"I wouldn't be too bold to guess that in a normal business day during the semester, we would probably make enough profit to finance that whole week," he said. "Basically, it's a fantastic business, which has a great track record on campuses across the country."
Hazekamp hopes that current SU students come back to the restaurant, as it has changed completely.
"I'm new to Syracuse, but I'm definitely impressed," he said. "The response from students is great, as everyone is coming in and saying, 'we're glad you're back.'"
Such is the case of sophomore broadcast journalism major Deborah Findling, who said Jimmy John's adds a variety of "eclectic food options" on the Hill.
Others, like sophomore illustration major Nichole Garber, had no clue that the restaurant even left.
"I didn't know it had ever closed," she said. "But I'll go down there if I'm in the mood for a sandwich."
Jimmy John's employee Delton Reed is glad that it reopened in time for the academic year.
"The best thing about being here is the customers," said Reed, who has worked at Jimmy John's since it reopened. "This is a college atmosphere, so more students are enthusiastic that we're back."
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