11-27-2025 12:16am

A Local Startup That Became A National Restaurant Chain

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- While we always love to grab a sandwich at Penn Station East Coast Subs, we had no idea how “ local “ it all started. (This made me think, who knows how many of our current “mom and pop” businesses will also GO regional or national or even international in coming years?)

PENN STATION EASTCOAST SUBS actually began as JEFFREYS DELICATESSAN in the Dayton Mall back in 1983. And, it was here where Jeffrey began selling the cheesesteak sandwich that would later become a trademark of Penn Station.

It all started after a trip to Philadelphia and tasting Philly Steak sandwiches that owner Jeff Osterfeld decided to try a “sub” restaurant in Cincinnati. Along with the subs, he added “fresh cut fries” fried in peanut oil and hand squeezed fresh made lemonade. The first Penn Station location opened in Cincinnati in 1988. Today, there are 320 locations in 14 states.

We dropped into our local Lebanon PENN STATION, not too long ago, to enjoy a bite for lunch. It was still as delicious as in previous years. There are hot and cold subs and newer options, as the original menu in 1988 had only 4 choices. The new menu includes vegetarian wraps and salads, allowing something for almost everyone.

Also, there is a Monthly Special, which includes a specially picked sandwich, small fries and regular beverage.

Small size sandwich Monthly Special — $11.09;
Medium size sandwich Monthly Special — $13.59; or l
Large size sandwich Monthly Special — $16.79.

Definitely the Monthly Special is budget friendly.

For our visit, we got the "Monthly Special," which when we visited, was The Italian Sub. (The Italian Sub can be ordered cold or hot.) We also ordered additional fries.

Our second order was a Chicken Teriyaki Sub.

The orders are prepared in front of you on the grill and are done with rapid speed. This allows for a “quick lunch” that helps you get in and out fast during a standard lunch hour ... or eat leisurely, if you choose to.

There is a “carryout” and a program of rewards. However, we were disappointed to learn that unless you order online, you can’t join the rewards program. And with our schedules, we will likely remain “drop ins.”

PENN STATION EAST COAST SUBS has three locations in Warren County: