Galloway's Subs opens in Algonquin Meijer
You could say the Galloway family members are big Meijer shoppers.
They've shopped at the Algonquin location, 400 S. Randall, since it opened.
One day as they were packing up their grocery bags, they realized there was an open space in the front of the store.
And that's how they found the second location for their popular family-owned sub shop, Galloway's Chicago Subs.
They've had their first location along the Randall Road corridor in Crystal Lake at 1295 Randall Road for six years.
On Black Friday, they opened their second location, also on Randall Road, but this time inside of the Meijer store in Algonquin.
While they have a loyal following at their spot in Crystal Lake, they thought the second location would give them a chance to introduce their sandwiches to even more customers, owner Judy Galloway said.
They also thought the second locale would make it more convenient for customers further south along Randall Road to enjoy Galloways' sandwiches, since their location in Crystal Lake is at the far northern end of Randall.
Since its opening, the second location has been filled with busy customers who want to grab a sandwich after shopping at Meijer, and also with customers who stop into the store to just grab one of Galloways' subs.
In addition to selling hot and cold subs, Galloway's also carries soups, paninis, shakes and even favorites such as Italian Beef. The new location will not have salads or shakes; however, it will offer most of the other popular items from Galloway's. They've also added chili cheese nachos, soft pretzels and a variety of muffins, as well as coffee drinks at the Algonquin spot.
To sell their popular food in the second location, the Galloway family had to go through a thorough process from Meijer first to be accepted. Then they had to do some major renovations inside of the Meijer location, which most recently housed an eye care center.
To be accepted, Meijer first researched the Galloway business history and their social media accounts. They also did a site visit at the Crystal Lake location and interviewed the Galloway family before approving their petition to open inside of Meijer.
"Our family feels extremely happy and blessed to be a part of the Meijer family store. We have been in Crystal Lake and well-received and supported by the community for six years. We are more than excited to offer menu items, catering and lunch delivery service to Algonquin," Galloway said.
The Crystal Lake location will continue to operate as it has, and to fill catering orders, as well as make Monday through Friday lunch deliveries.
Inside of the new spot, there are tables where customers can eat inside. However, many also choose to take their food to go. The Meijer location will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. To reach Galloway's, call (815) 356-7827.
Catching Santa
For all those kiddos looking to catch a glimpse of Santa this Christmas season, the Barnes and Noble along Randall Road in Geneva is holding a special story time this Saturday that might appeal to them.
The event will feature a read-aloud of the popular book "How to Catch Santa."
The funny holiday story is suitable for the entire family to enjoy, and might inspire some youngsters out there to come up with creative ways to catch Santa this year.
The event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Barnes and Noble store, 102 Commons Drive.
For information call (630) 262-8568.
The story time is free.
• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Batavia. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.