By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The transformation on the building at 3809 10th Street in Great Bend from a pizza store to a sandwich restaurant is in the works. Matt Berry, owner of the soon-to-be Jimmy John’s in Great Bend, expects the restaurant to be operational by the end of January 2024.
Berry has operated the Jimmy John’s restaurant in Hays since 2009.
"I've always known that I've wanted to come to Great Bend with Jimmy John's," said Berry. "What really opened my eyes was the property that opened up. I felt that it was the perfect location. I like to invest by purchasing the property, not only the restaurant. When the old Papa Murphy's came up for sale, it was the trigger for me."
For roughly 20 years, Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza company operated out of the building on 10th Street. Papa Murphy’s closed after June 26, 2022.
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"One of the things that has stood out to me about Jimmy John's is the quality of the ingredients," said Berry. "There's fresh-baked bread and freshly sliced meats and vegetables every day. From day one, when I was young in college, I loved the sandwiches and the quickness. I love the fact that we deliver."
Berry said he expects to hire between 20-30 employees for the Great Bend restaurant.