Subs N Such Sandwich Shop in Tampa, FL Offers Unique Variety of Sodas

Even casual readers of these articles are aware that I am always on the lookout for inexpensive places to grab a quick meal or a sandwich. If, in describing the place, I can add in a bit of local lore or history, so much the better.

There are, in Tampa, a number of sandwich shops that offer good, not very expensive, hearty sandwiches. One of the shops combines a great lunch (primarily 7, 9 or 12 inch sandwiches) with a large assortment of soft drinks and commemorative bottles. Actually, saying "large" is like saying Mt. Everest is a hill in a hilly part of the Himalayas. Subs-n-Such is a narrow store with a counter at which one orders and a handful of tables and chairs at which to eat, most orders being "take-out". Dominating the one room are a cooler, cartons of soft drinks and two walls covered with miscellaneous drink memorabilia. But first, how I found this treasure, at the corner of Bearss [sic] and Livingston Avenues in North Tampa, that advertises little or not at all.

Some years ago Joan and I attended the Lutz community annual Fourth of July celebration. This consisted of a modest but fervent parade, speeches by incumbent politicians and, a local tradition, speeches by those running for "Guv'na of Lutz", a position that pays nothing but entitles the holder to wear a sash and top hat!. The race for Guv'na is won by the purchase of votes (hardly a rarity in this part of the country), a penny per vote, with all proceeds going to the charity chosen by each candidate. There is, also, a bar-b-que chicken dinner made, sold and benefiting the Volunteer Fire Department. In other words, activities repeated in small towns throughout the country. There are also booths and stands selling snacks and soft drinks. At one such stand, I saw a sight that had not come to my memory in over 55 years ago: an orange can of Moxie!

Unless a reader comes from or lived in New England, and some areas of Pennsylvania, he or she may not have heard of this unique tasting soft drink that has a taste must be acquired. Personally, I'd rather have a root canal than drink another bottle or can of Moxie. One of these days, I'll try and explain, or at least discuss, the continued popularity of this soft drink among a devoted following -- but back to the vendor offering this soft drink. It was Subs-n-Such, down the road a piece.

I next encountered this shop last spring while employed by Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service in its office on Bearss Avenue, formerly known as Skipper Road, in north Tampa. Just across a parking lot was a collection of strip-stores, including one with the name of the remembered business.

When one enters the store, to the immediate left is a large cooler with seemingly hundreds of soft drinks, brands with which I was not in the least familiar. In fact the store offers 126 different brands and varieties of soft drinks everything from Ting Grapefruit drink from Jamaica to Goodo Cola Champagne, a drink from the West Indies that is supposed to taste like Sangria, to Yoo-Hoo Chocolate, to Afri-Cola which is loaded with extra caffeine! They also sell Coke and Pepsi!

Next on the left is a long counter with several hard working and fast moving people putting together sandwiches and salads. Straight ahead, on the entire facing wall, and to the right along the entire wall are shelves with, it is claimed and I won't question it, thousands of soda bottles, many with brand names that stretch the imagination. I have included pictures of the exterior and interior of this shop; I have not exaggerated. The vast majority of the bottles are commemorative memorabilia celebrating a college football game, a winning season, a festival, various kinds of races and events covering years and events that are too many to report. It appears that whenever a team is the winner of a championship, in any support, the manufacturers of soft drinks issue a commemorative six-pack! Olympics, World fairs, NASCAR events and all sorts of occasions are reasons to make and sell memorabilia. One only has to visit E-Bay to appreciate the scope of and interest in these products; or one can browse the collection in Lutz while munching on a sandwich. A far better choice in my opinion.

But the reason for a food place is the food.

I am partial to the original and traditional Cuban sandwich, made on fresh Cuban bread, a very crusty treat, with Genoa salami, ham, roast pork, topped with Swiss cheese, mustard and pickle. They will, if pushed, add mayonnaise, lettuce and tomato, but for us traditionalists, these do not belong. Then, take the sandwich, butter the crust and press between two heated metal plates. The Cuban is offered in 7, 9 and 12 inch sizes as well as a 36 inch monster. For me, the 9 inch is more than enough! At $3.25, it is also a bargain. Most important for those working, the sandwich wrapped in foil will still be crunchy after several hours.

Subs-n-Such is aptly named, because of the variety of what they call their "Signature Subs". I have had the smaller version of the Dagwood, which includes ham, salami, roast beef, turkey, and roast pork with Swiss, American and provolone cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, black olives, Greek peppers and a truly unusual and tasty dressing. This is the biggest sub you will ever eat and is a bargain for $6.49! Two people can comfortably share, three people could reasonably also share!

Next fall, when I return to work, I'm going for the Steak & Cheese sub or the Buster, each of which features one-half pound of beef! I will also bring to my office a few bottles of soda that will be new to me.

Adventure and daring are my middle names.