The Secret Formula: 7 Things You Need To Know About 'Mike's Way' At Jersey Mike's

What is Mike's Way? For millions of sub sandwich enthusiasts, the phrase is synonymous with the perfect, tangy, and savory dressing that elevates a simple sub into a culinary experience. As of December 2025, "Mike's Way" is the signature, traditional preparation method used by the fast-casual giant Jersey Mike's Subs, involving a specific combination of fresh vegetables, a unique oil and vinegar blend, and classic spices. It's more than just a topping—it's a ritual, a piece of New Jersey history, and, thanks to recent online trends, a cultural phenomenon that continues to dominate the sandwich market.

The method is so iconic that it has sparked viral social media trends and countless copycat recipes, proving that the simplest ingredients, when applied "Mike's Way," create an unforgettable flavor profile. Whether you're a first-time customer or a seasoned sub-lover looking to decode the magic, here is the definitive, up-to-date guide to everything you need to know about the legendary preparation method.

Decoding 'Mike's Way': The Official Ingredients and Application

At its core, "Mike's Way" is a simple, yet perfectly balanced combination of fresh produce, an oil and vinegar mixture, and a dash of spice. When you order any cold sub "Mike's Way," you are requesting the following seven key components, applied in a specific order to ensure maximum flavor integration:

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• Onions: Sliced red onions.
• Lettuce: Shredded iceberg lettuce.
• Tomatoes: Sliced fresh tomatoes.
• The Juice (Oil Blend): A signature blend of olive oil and a proprietary vegetable oil.
• The Juice (Vinegar): Red wine vinegar.
• Oregano: A light dusting of dried oregano.
• Salt: A sprinkle of salt to enhance all the fresh flavors.

The order of application is critical to the "Mike's Way" experience. The vegetables—onions, lettuce, and tomato—are placed first, followed by the liberal application of "The Juice" and the final dusting of salt and oregano. This saturation is what distinguishes a Jersey Mike's sub from competitors, ensuring the bread soaks up the tangy, savory flavors of the dressing blend, creating the "exquisite zing" the company is known for.

The Secret to "The Juice": Oil, Vinegar, and The Zing

The single most important component of "Mike's Way" is "The Juice." This is the proprietary blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar that is generously drizzled over the fresh ingredients. It's the element that gives the sub its signature taste and is often cited by customers as the reason they choose Jersey Mike's over other sub shops.

While the exact recipe is a closely guarded trade secret, copycat recipes and culinary experts have attempted to reverse-engineer the perfect balance. The consensus suggests that the blend is not a simple 1:1 ratio. Instead, the authentic "zing" comes from a higher proportion of acid. Many home cooks recommend a ratio closer to 3 parts red wine vinegar to 2 parts olive oil blend to achieve the bright, tangy flavor profile that cuts through the rich meats and cheeses without being overpowering.

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The oil blend itself is typically a mix of olive oil and a less expensive, neutral oil like canola, which helps keep the cost down while preserving the distinct olive oil flavor. The combination of these two elements, plus the final touch of oregano and salt, is what creates the perfect moisture and flavor layer for the sub.

The Historical Roots of 'Mike's Way' in Point Pleasant, NJ

The phrase "Mike's Way" is not a corporate marketing gimmick; it is a direct nod to the shop's humble origins and its original owner. The story begins long before Jersey Mike's became a national franchise.

From Mike's Giant Submarine Shop to a National Brand

The original store, then called Mike's Giant Submarine Shop, was opened in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, by a man named Michael Ingravallo.

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In the 1950s, the concept of a submarine sandwich shop was still relatively new, and Mike Ingravallo's method of dressing the subs with the whole works—fresh sliced vegetables and the oil and vinegar blend—was the traditional, authentic way to make a Jersey-style sub. This method of preparation became known simply as "Mike's Way," the traditional way the founder did it.

The Peter Cancro Era

The shop's history took a pivotal turn in 1971 when 14-year-old Peter Cancro began working there. He fell in love with the business and, in 1975, at the remarkable age of 17, he purchased the original store with the help of a high school football coach who was also a banker.

Cancro kept the traditional "Mike's Way" preparation method, recognizing that the authentic flavor was the key to the shop's success. He later renamed the growing chain Jersey Mike's Subs and began franchising, but the commitment to fresh slicing, fresh baking, and the original "Mike's Way" recipe remained the foundation of the brand. Cancro led the chain for 50 years before transitioning the CEO role to Charlie Morrison in a recent move, solidifying the importance of the original traditions.

The Ultimate 'Mike's Way' Order: The #13 Original Italian

While you can order virtually any cold sub "Mike's Way," there is one sandwich that has achieved legendary status when paired with the signature preparation: The #13 Original Italian. This combination is widely considered the quintessential Jersey Mike's experience and has been the subject of numerous viral food reviews and social media posts.

The #13 sub is a hearty stack of five different meats and cheese, which the tangy "Mike's Way" dressing perfectly complements. The full list of ingredients for the #13 Original Italian includes:

• Provolone Cheese
• Ham (Cooked/Boiled)
• Prosciuttini
• Cappacuolo
• Salami
• Pepperoni

When this rich, salty, and spicy combination of Italian meats is topped with the fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and the acidic "Juice," the flavors harmonize, creating a depth that is unmatched by more traditional, drier Italian subs. The acidity of the red wine vinegar cuts through the fat of the meats, while the olive oil and spices bind all the flavors together.

The Viral 'Mike's Way' TikTok Trend of 2025

In mid-2025, "Mike's Way" transcended its status as a simple sandwich order and became a viral sensation on TikTok. The trend centered around a humorous exaggeration of the ordering process, with users filming themselves "practicing" the phrase "I want the number 13, Mike's Way, please!"

This trend, which was shared millions of times, highlighted the almost ceremonial nature of ordering the sub and the enthusiastic, often rehearsed, response from Jersey Mike's employees. The meme was a playful acknowledgment of the brand's strong culture and the distinct, high-energy customer service experience.

The viral phenomenon served as a massive, organic marketing boost for the brand, introducing a new generation of customers to the "Mike's Way" experience. It cemented the phrase in pop culture, proving that a simple, high-quality recipe can become a true cultural talking point.

How to Customize 'Mike's Way' (and Sub Etiquette)

While the classic "Mike's Way" is perfect for most, part of the Jersey Mike's experience is the ability to customize your sub. The employees are trained to accommodate almost any request, but a little etiquette goes a long way. This is how to order like a pro:

• The Full Order: State the sub number/name, then the size (mini, regular, or giant), and finally, "Mike's Way." Example: "I'll take a regular #13, Mike's Way."
• The Omissions: If you don't want an ingredient, specify it upfront. The most common omissions are onions or tomatoes. Example: "Regular #7, Mike's Way, but hold the onions."
• The Extra Zing: If you love the dressing, you can ask for "extra juice" or "extra vinegar" to get an even more saturated sub.
• Hot Subs: While "Mike's Way" is traditionally for cold subs, some customers request the fresh toppings on hot subs like the Famous Philly. Be aware that this is a departure from the classic preparation, but most locations will accommodate the request.

In essence, "Mike's Way" is the cornerstone of the Jersey Mike's brand, representing a commitment to fresh ingredients, authentic New Jersey tradition, and a flavor combination that has stood the test of time. It's the simplest way to transform a sandwich into a savory, tangy masterpiece.