The line at Jimmy John’s around 11 a.m. (Photo by Travis Mitchell)

People love free/cheap food, myself included. So when I was reminded this morning about Jimmy John’s manufactured $1 sandwich customer appreciation day, I knew it was time to start developing a strategy.

I arrived to the 1101 14th St. location at about 10:50 a.m. I figured early or late was the way to tackle this, and my schedule meant there was no way I was going to wait until 3 p.m. for lunch. I arrived to find about 50 people in line. A few minutes later, I turned around and was surprised to see that the line had nearly doubled in length.

At one point, an enterprising employee from the neighboring Dunkin Donuts came out to entice the queue with iced coffee and tea, offering to deliver orders to the line. It was unclear if anyone took her up on it, but it was a solid idea. Most people walking by scoffed at the length or the wait, or simply voiced frustration and disbelief that their prompt 11 a.m. arrival meant waiting a block or more away. But a surprising number of people stuck it out.

It was a daunting line by the time I walked through the doors around 11:10. But all told, I was in and out with my sandwich in about 30 minutes. Certainly not a record in my book for waiting for lunch food. To my surprise and delight, the staff was friendly and prompt. Once I ordered, I received my sandwich in less than a minute. That’s some sandwich magic.

Today’s promotion runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and customers can choose a select 8″ sub for just $1 ($1.10 with tax). Eligible choices include menu options 1 through 6, such as the Italian Vito or the Turkey Tom (I went with #2, the Big John, which comes with roast beef, lettuce, tomato and mayo).

There are still a few hours left to take advantage of the promotion, but plan to budget an hour or more at this point. Regularly priced subs sell for around $6, so how far will you go to save $5?

Jimmy John’s has downtown locations at 1101 14th St., 1208 G St., NW and 1717 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. You also can find them in Tenleytown, Glover Park, and Rosslyn.

Filed Under: $1 subs, customer appreciation day, jimmy john's, jimmy john's subs,