Since 1979, Toledo’s Original Sub Shop has been rooted at 402 Broadway St. The history of the Sub Shop is an interesting story. Owners Sarki David and his wife Jackie were on their honeymoon in Toronto and were amazed at the number of sub shops in the city. So the mathematics major and his wife opened what is now a Downtown landmark near the main Toledo post office.
The unpretentious two-story brick building is not just a sub shop. For more than 25 years, it has been a hub of social and artistic activity. While enjoying the retro feeling of the high tin ceilings and local artists’ work adorning the walls, we wondered why we had not been here before. Sandwiches like the Original 12-inch sub (hard salami, smoked ham and bologna for $3.99) and the Reuben ($3.99) are made with individual care and delivered to the table by the owners or their son, Jacob.
The Original Sub Shop and Deli is not your garden-variety corner subshop. Greek salads ($2.99) or homemade tabouli ($1.99 and $2.49) are favored along with homemade desserts. The baklava ($1) won out, and I suggest reviewing their coffee and tea menu of herbal tea, espresso, cappuccino and lattes. The shop also offers catering, including party trays and those six-foot subs, the staple of any good party.
Every month or so a group of poets, the 402 Broadway Bards, bring in their sound equipment, fellow poets and their own poetry groupies for an evening of “the word.” Another regular artistic event features local independent filmmakers showing and discussing their work. The group, which has a Web site at www.toledofilmmakers.com, includes the David’s son, Jacob. The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.
The Original Sub Shop and Deli offers more than just subs, soups and salads. It offers a sanctuary within the city. Enter this shop for a sub and be taken to a place filled with friendly people, inviting foods and a restaurant with a conscience.

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