Everett Sub Shop Marks 30 Years

Sub Shop #26 has been open 30 years and 5 months. “It’s the longest running sub shop in Everett,” said owner Wai Eng. “Everybody knows me.”

Located at 2017 19th street, just west of Broadway, its been a go-to shop for a couple of generations of sandwich lovers in north Everett. Very clean, with hundreds of business cards of customers spread over bulletin boards along one wall, the Sub Shop has faced a lot of competition from big chain stores coming into Everett. Mr. Eng admits being a stand alone shop is not easy and at times lately its been tough but he has no plans to slow down.

“I only use fresh sliced meats and cheeses,” said Eng. “It’s all fresh every day.” There’s another secret at work here, “Be nice to people,” Mr Eng told MyEverettNews.com.

Wai Eng comes to Everett by way of Chicago and prior to that China. “I still have my house in China but I’m guessing the roof isn’t good after 41 years away,” he laughs. “America is great for building planes, cars and things but no one makes food like a person from China.”

Eng knows most of his customers and starts their order as soon as they walk in the door. 90 percent of his customers he says are return visitors. He cites one Everett Firefighter who has come in every Monday afternoon for 25 years.

A woman who was picking up sandwiches for herself and her husband told MyEverettNews.com she’s been coming to the shop for more than ten years because of how fresh and full the sandwiches are and friendly Mr. Eng has always been.

The favorite sandwich is called the Full Boat. It’s made with 7 types of meat and two types of cheese. A full-size is just $7.95. There’s also a wide selection of soda, lots of different chips and Eng also sells a unique variety of Chinese cookies that are hard to find anywhere else in Everett.

MyEverettNews.com often writes about the newest restaurants that come to town but recently we were reminded to let people know about Mr. Eng and Sub Shop #26. 30 years and five months in Everett. I’m a life-long resident and I’m embarrassed to say it was my first time in the shop. It won’t be my last.

They are open Monday – Saturday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Cash only, no debit or credit cards. 2017 19th street just west of Broadway. Stop in, enjoy a fresh sandwich and have a chat with Wai Eng. You’ll be glad you did.