Gastrosubs expands in Jacksonville with second sandwich shop

A sandwich is more than meat or veggies between two slices of bread. At a new Jacksonville restaurant specializing in artisanal sandwiches, hot-pressed subs, cheesesteaks and loaded clubs, sandwiches are a meal rooted in science and craftmanship.

Gastrosubs recently opened at 9475 Philips Highway, Unit 1, in a small retail strip center between Shad Road and Interstate 95 on the Southside.

The new restaurant joins the original Gastrosubs at 1110 A1A N., No. 102, in Ponte Vedra Beach, which opened in January 2024.

The restaurant's name is based on the word gastronomy: "cooking, eating, preparing high-quality food or high-quality ingredients," owner Troy Busscher told the Times-Union.

"We think of sandwich-making almost as a science. Just like anything

else you do, there's a science behind it," he said. "We really are striving to bring the best-quality sandwiches to the area."

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He said they make their own sauces, fresh bread daily from Village Bread and use the 'highest-quality meats available on the market, such as Black Steer and Fiorrucci, as well as other premium ingredients.

They make a house aioli and a spicy aioli that brings out the flavors of the meats and cheeses. The sandwich shop also crafts a spicy version of a locally made Peruvian Gold sauce.

"Everything here, we don't go for kill you with the spice. We really just like to add great flavor that pulls out the rest of the great flavoring inside the sandwich," said Busscher, noting a hint of Sriracha kicks up their Spicy Aioli, which is his favorite sauce.

More than 50 sandwiches on the menu

Gastrosubs showcases more than 50 different sandwiches and options.

"We have the classics, Philly cheesesteaks and meatball subs. We have pressed sandwiches like the Cuban, and our Spicy Cuban is delicious. We also have Club Sandwiches stacked tall with three slices of loaf bread," he said.

Busscher said the restaurant's signature sub is the "Insane Italian" because a traditional Italian sub will just have oil and vinegar. But the Insane Italian at Gastrosubs has mayonnaise, mustard, olive oil and "lots of great flavoring added to it."

"It's definitely a little bit crazy in the Italian world," he said.

The subs — also available toasted or as a wrap or salad — come in the traditional 8-inch or 12-inch sizes. Sub prices range from $10.99 to $13.49.

"We make every sub to our standard. If it's not good enough for us, it's not good enough for you," he said.

Topping the sandwich menu:

• Insane Italian Gastrosub: House aioli, hot pepper spread, spicy mustard, salami, hot capicola ham, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, lettuce, tomato, onion and house-made Sub Sauce.
• Shark Tooth Gastrosub: Spicy aioli, ham, pepper jack cheese, Nacho Cheese Doritos, lettuce, tomato, onion and Gold Sauce.
• Super Hero Gastrosub: Spicy aioli, hot pepper spread, ham, salami, hot capicola ham, pepperoni, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and spicy Gold Sauce.
• French Dip Pressed Sub: House aioli, shredded beef and provolone cheese. Served with a cup of au jus.
• Spicy Cuban Pressed Sub: Spicy aioli, ham, Mojo Marinade Pork, pepper jack cheese, spicy mustard, pickles and jalapeños.
• Steak Sandwich Pressed Sub: House aioli, steak, provolone, lettuce, tomato and onions.
• Chicken Bacon Avocado Club Sandwich: House aioli, chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato on three slices of toasted bread.
• Club Sandwich: House aioli, ham, turkey, bacon, tomato, lettuce and mustard on three slices of toasted bread.

Gastrosubs also showcases five Mac & Cheese Bowls: Mojo Pork Bowl, Spicy Philly Bowl, regular Philly Bowl, Buffalo Chicken Bowl and Chipotle Chicken Bowl.

In addition, the restaurant offers salads. Desserts range from S'mores to Fluffer Nutter and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, according to the online menu.

Great food, a science inspired by life on a sailboat

Busscher said he's always loved food. The UNF graduate said he was inspired to open a restaurant by his global travels and living on a sailboat in the Caribbean for five years.

"It was fun. Five years of that sailing around the world, trying lots of good food, fishing every day," said Busscher, adding that experience taught him that he had previously had "over-complicated food."

"Once you break it down to a science, you can truly produce a high-quality and great product," he said of the life lesson learned.

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Why it's named Gastrosubs

Gastrosubs is Busscher's first restaurant.

He partnered with Jacksonville restaurateur Jason Malih for Gastrosubs. Malih is co-owner with Elias Ishak of the recently opened Sip n' Smash at 7540 Gate Parkway, Unit 115-116, in The Palms at Gate Parkway restaurant and retail center.

Malih is a co-owner of upcoming new conceptSauce N' Bone, which is focused on "bold flavors" of chicken wings and sauces at 10916 Atlantic Blvd, Suite 23, in Justin Plaza retail center.

Gastrosubs took over the roughly 1,505-square-foot space vacated by Subway — which dated back about 20 years, according to state licensing and city building records. The new restaurant joins Leci's Italian, Salsas Cocina Mexicana & Cantina, Choban Grill and Philip Sushi in the strip center.

Gastrosubs, which has 27 seats, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at [e-mail].

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This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Gastrosubs expands in Jacksonville with second sandwich shop