Julie Stenger COMING SOON — Discussing plans for the Jimmy John’s Sandwiches shop that is scheduled to open in Franciscan Square early next year were, from left, Michael Carapellotti, vice president of Fraspada Co.; Jefferson County Commissioner Eric Timmons; Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla; Liam Galligan, Jimmy John’s general manager; Toni Moreland, chairwoman of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce; Rita Carapellotti, owner of Brooklyn Bagel; and Tim Delaney, executive director of alumni and constituent relations for Franciscan University of Steubenville.

STEUBENVILLE — Jimmy John’s Sandwiches began with a father’s ultimatum to his son — join the Army or start a business. Today, millions of Americans who love its fresh-ingredient sandwiches and wraps are grateful John opted for the latter as his career choice.

The national chain hopes to be moving in and opening in its new location of Franciscan Square on University Boulevard in either February or March.

Jimmy John’s will be moving into what is currently Brooklyn Bagel, according to the new owners.

The franchise will include a management team of four.

General Manager Liam Galligan is a former student of Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Galligan expressed his love for the city, which came when he spent five years in the area while attending the university. What he saw while here brought about an appreciation for the community and he expressed how it captured his heart. He said he is looking forward to being able to move back to the Steubenville area.

“We are excited to bring a successful, fast-service chain to the Steubenville area and the Ohio Valley,” Galligan commented. “Steubenville has been an impactful place in my life, and I am excited to bring this business here to begin serving the wonderful people of this area and to support the many exciting things taking place here. We hope to make everyday impacts on those who will walk through our doors because even a small sandwich and encounter can change the world.”

“As a Franciscan grad, I am excited to bring my career into the city that has helped form me. Spin Ohio Inc. is excited to build a strong connection by serving our customers and those around the community. Even small things like making a sandwich, delivering an order or greeting someone with a smile can go a long way.”

“Everything we have is fresh — not frozen,” he commented. “We offer fast and quick delivery, as well.”

Mayor Jerry Barilla attended the announcement ceremony, asking what areas the business is currently planning to deliver to.

Galligan said the restaurant’s initial delivery area will range from Fourth Street to Trinity Medical Center West, as the corporation has certain boundaries franchisees must adhere to. Officials will look into expanding the delivery area once they are open and operating, it was noted.

Galligan said most of the sales come from deliveries.

Dan Vansteenburg is the owner of 45 Jimmy John’s locations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul market. He and Dustin Wetzel and Pete Thelen are partners in the business.

Vansteenburg explained how he became interested in working for the chain, stating after graduating from Franciscan with a degree in teaching. After six years of working as a teacher, he thought business would be a better fit.

“I spent three years at a startup dot-com,” Vansteenburg said. “As the dot-com boom started to fail, I had my first Jimmy John’s sandwich in November 2000. By February 2001, my wife and I were on our way to opening our first store. We fell in love with the business. Each store we open is an opportunity for us to promote a ‘rock star’ employee into a general manager position.”

“We teach young men and women how to manage a real business,” he continued. “From inventory, hiring, baking bread, human resources issues, cash management, mopping the floor and much more, our managers do it all. Every four weeks, we meet with the managers and give a meaningful percentage of the net income back to the manager of the store. Today, we operate 45 Jimmy John’s and one Sweet Paris in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

“It is easy to have a deep appreciation for what Franciscan and the Steubenville community have done in the lives of so many. This is an opportunity to give back on a local level. This store will be a way for my team and I to not only launch the career of a recent grad, but also to support the community that does so much for the thousands of students they teach every year. As a Franciscan grad, I am very excited to be part of a team that is bringing a new Jimmy John’s to the city of Steubenville,” Vansteenburg concluded. “We are looking forward to positively impacting the community with new jobs, and freaky fresh sandwiches.”

“It’s amazing how a simple business can make a lasting impression on the community,” Galligan said. “We want to be a part of this hub spot and serve the people to the best of our ability. This has been a nurturing home for us and we have come to love it. I wanted to lay my roots here and move back after leaving Franciscan. Now I can.”