A History of Jimmy John's Sandwiches

By meyers27

  • The Beginning

    Jimmy John Liautaud graduates second to last in his class from Elgin Academy.
    Liautaud's father gave him two options - start a business or join the military. Liautaud takes a $25,000 loan from his father to start a restaurant.

  • The First Store

    The first Jimmy John's opens in Charleston, Illinois. Liautaud operates it out of a garage.

  • Liautaud as Full Owner/Second Store

    Liautaud buys out his father's share of the company, becoming the full owner. A second store is opened in Macomb, Illinois.

  • First Franchisee

    The first franchisee store opens in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

  • 100th Store

    The one hundreth Jimmy John's opens in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

  • 500th Store

    The 500th store opens in Seattle, Washington.

  • 1000th Store

    The 1000th store opens in Beaverton, Oregon.