Jenna Giustino 
Food is a vital part of any community, and when it comes to the Jersey Shore, a quality deli sandwich is a must-have for the beach. That’s where Mike’s Submarines enters the conversation: a staple in Belmar known for its neighborhood vibes and classic subs. The Jersey Shore Girl stopped by and spoke with the owner, Bob Pable, who took us back to how this sandwich shop came to be and how it’s become a core part of Jersey Shore culture. Read on to learn more about Mike’s Giant Submarines, Belmar’s go-to for an authentic deli sandwich experience.
The Roots
Back in the early 1980s, Bob was working at The Shrimp Box, a Point Pleasant-based seafood restaurant (IYKYK it’s still a staple of the community in 2026). He was the one in charge of getting the staff’s lunch order at Mike’s Giant Submarine in Point Pleasant. That’s when he met Peter Cancro, the owner of the local sandwich shop.
When Bob left Shrimp Box, Peter offered him a job making sandwiches, and from there, the rest is history. “I happened to be in the back room one day, and Peter had one of his buddies there. I heard him talking about selling the store in Belmar. I remember saying ‘I’ll buy it!’ and later on he asked me if I was serious,” Bob recalled to The Jersey Shore Girl.
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Bob was very serious, and on December 3, 1981, Mike’s Giant Submarines was now his. “It was a good time, the economy was starting to shoot up. Within the next few years, it grew astronomically. The [Belmar location] grew its own identity and relationships with members of the community.”
The owner expressed knowing it had made its mark when people who were visiting from North Jersey would stop by because they had to have a Mike’s Giant Submarine: it was becoming a must-do when visiting the Jersey Shore.
Bob told The Jersey Shore Girl that much of the success of the shop was also connected to the fishing boats that were located at the marina just within walking distance from Mike’s. Back then, he would open up the store at 6:00 AM so the fisherman could get sandwiches for their daily travel.
Franchise
In 1988, Pete decided to start franchising the sandwich shop. He took off the Giants + Submarines and set out to open locations nationwide.
In the meantime, Bob had the right to keep the name as is in Belmar.”When you love your product [like he loves the Mike’s Giants Submarines ingredients], your fingerprints are all over it.” The owner says he kept the name and sandwiches as is, made with love.
Now, in 2026, Pete’s Jersey Mike’s franchise has grown to over 3,000 locations nationwide.
Values
Throughout the years, the shop has had its ups and downs, but one thing has remained true: it has kept its classic feel.
This business is family-owned and operated. Bob has four children: three boys and a girl. All were raised learning the industry. When The Jersey Shore Girl visited, his son and daughter were behind the counter making sandwiches for the locals and prepping toppings. Although all pursued their own careers and education, they always gravitated back to the sandwich shop. Bob presumes one will take over the business one day, making it a local Jersey Shore staple for years to come.
“We’re making a memory, you know, how things used to be (and taste). We make our own meatballs, potato salad, macaroni salad, roast beef, oven-roasted turkey, and all-white tuna salad in-house,” he said.
The owner knows that locals can get a sandwich almost anywhere, but it’s the neighborhood service, the friendly banter that keeps people coming back. He recalls seeing the progression of the people in the community and feels honored to have customers who have become friends for over 45 years.
Present Day Neighborhood
Fast forward to 2026, and Bob has a genuine appreciation for Belmar and how the location of Mike’s Giant Submarine is centrally located in what has become a hub for quality food, drinks, and live entertainment – a food court of small businesses.
Bob has witnessed the evolution of downtown Belmar, as many beloved restaurants, bars, and bakeries have come and gone. He loves the local businesses around him, such as Beach Haus Brewery, where he recommends catching a summer sunset.
He also loves being close to the marina, and being just a bicycle ride away for customers to grab a sandwich before heading off to the beach for the day.
The Menu + Service
When asked about the secret strategy to building the ideal submarine sandwich, Bob said it’s all about the “end-to-end. You want to have a little bit of everything in it. Be as consistent as possible.”
The menu options at Mike’s Giant Submarines include a lineup of cheesesteaks: the Pizza, Cali, Mexi, Bacon, or Classic Cheese. Of course, there are the classic turkey, ham, salami, or bologna varieties of cold subs. Plus, all roast beef, over-roasted turkey, tuna salad, chicken salad, and meatballs are made in-house.
Add-ons include deli pickles, chipotle mayo, and hot pepper shooters. To personalize further, any sub can be turned into a wrap (with a gluten-free option).
The menu doesn’t reflect any new age additions like chicken fingers and fries, etc., because Bob feels it’s important to stick to tradition and prioritize quality over quantity, keeping the business close to its roots: making delicious sandwiches.
To add to the classic vibe, there are black-and-white cookies available and of course, variations of chips, sodas, and more deli sandwich must-have accompaniments.
When The Jersey Shore Girl asked for a sandwich recommendation, Bob told us that “The one that put Mike’s Giant Submarines on the map would be the number two [cheese, boiled ham, and cappacuolo].”
Moving Forward
When asked about the highlights of owning the store, Bob said it’s all about seeing generations of families come together at the store and being part of a sense of community.
Bob referred to Mike’s Giant Submarines as “the blue jeans” of the community. “You know, it goes with just about anything you do. I like that. I’m just happy to be here. I’m happy to be part of the shore,” he told us.
He values being part of the town’s community, enjoying watching local children grow up, and interacting with residents who return in the winter to check their summer homes, often stopping in to grab a sandwich before heading back north.
For those who want that feeling of nostalgia, a corner store with a friendly face and local vibe, Mike’s Giant Submarines is a source of comfort – filled with homemade proteins, plenty of toppings, and Jersey Shore love.
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