Just Don't Call Them Hoagies

The new gluten-free rolls at Jersey Mike's Subs are baked
on dedicated pans to avoid cross contact.

With roots in central Jersey Shore towns, Jersey Mike's can be excused if the growing sandwich-shop chain refers to its signature products as "subs" instead of the Philly-centric "hoagies." Wherever you're from, though, you can order your next meal there on a gluten-free roll. Jersey Mike's Subs is introducing gluten-free rolls in its Philadelphia, New Jersey and metro New York restaurants as part of a three-month pilot program.

The proof-and-bake Tuscan herb rolls come from Colorado's gluten-free artisan Wild Flour Bakery and arrive as dough, baked fresh in store each day. The shops have dedicated pans for baking the gluten-free rolls, and team members wear new gloves when handling the rolls and use knives and other utensils that haven't touched other bread products when slicing them.

While meats and cheeses are sliced fresh to order, I suggest that gluten-free guests request that their sandwiches be assembled on paper (not on the counter directly) and with condiments and produce such as lettuce, tomatoes and onions taken from a fresh stash to avoid cross contact.  A list of allergens is posted at the company's website; currently, all of the cold cuts are listed as gluten free; on the hot side, only the meatballs, teriyaki chicken and chicken parmesan are not gluten free.

If you want to skip the bread entirely, any cold sub can be made as a "Sub in a Tub."

In southeastern Pennsylvania, stores in Horsham, Glen Mills, Phoenixville, West Chester and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia are slated to carry the gluten-free rolls. Cherry Hill, Cinnaminson, Glassboro, Hamilton, Marlton, Moorestown and Princeton are the designated South Jersey locations. All should have gluten-free bread available within the next week or two. Sandwiches made with the new bread option will cost an additional $2.