SUB SHOP IN MASSAPONAX PROVIDES A DELIGHTFUL DINING EXPERIENCE
July 09, 2009


BY LINDA SALISBURY

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

The red, white and blue accent colors made Lenny's Sub Shop in Massaponax a fitting stop for lunch on Flag Day.

Even more fitting, was the excellent service, quality of food and good value for the many families enjoying a Sunday meal. Many had taken advantage of Lenny's special offer of a 15 percent discount on Sundays if a current church bulletin was presented.

Formerly on Plank Road, Lenny's prepares subs hot or cold, sandwiches and three kinds of salads. The shop, now located in Southpoint II shopping center, is part of a 20-year-old chain.

It bakes its own rolls (wheat or white), and three kinds of almost 5-inch diameter cookies. It has its own brand of potato chips and also sells jars of its delicious hot pepper relish.

The cold subs include a variety of meats (roast beef, ham, prosciutto, capicola, ham, turkey, bacon, roast beef, salami, or chicken or tuna salads) and provolone cheese options, plus one veggie sub; and they come in two sizes, regular (71/2 inches, mostly $5.99) and large (15 inches, at about $9.99).

Hot sandwiches, which were also tempting, included Italian meatball, Philly cheesesteak, grilled chicken Philly (my choice, when we make a return visit), and a footlong hot dog.

My Dining Partner and I agree that "regular" was more than sufficient for most appetites.

He ordered the Italian regular ($5.95) on wheat. It was heaped with provolone, ham, prosciutto, capicola and Genoa salami. It was also layered with lettuce, onions and the hot relish, with the added ingredients customized per order.

I placed my order for the club sub ($5.99), thick with provolone, ham, turkey and bacon. I added lettuce, onions, mayo and the hot peppers, a perfect addition to the cold cuts.

We each added, for $1.99, a soft drink and either chips or a cookie.

There are free drink refills for eat-in customers. MDP had the unsweetened tea and a white-chocolate macadamia-nut cookie, and I, a diet soda with the Lenny's salt-and-vinegar chips.

The sandwiches were fresh and packed with ingredients, so it was not surprising that we had to wrap half of each to go. The chips were a lip-puckering hit, and the cookie had a homemade taste.

The family groups were clearly enjoying their meals. The experience was made all the more fun for kids when one of the employees used a helium tank to provide youngsters with balloons.

Although customers order at a counter and pick up their own food, we thought the service was exceptional.

All customers are greeted when they come through the door, the cashier is friendly and everyone is helpful and attentive to requests.

Lenny's banner is one to wave.

Linda Salisbury is the author of an award-winning adventure series for kids.




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What: Lenny's Sub Shop Address: 10008 Southpoint Parkway, Massaponax, across from Wal-Mart, in the Southpoint II shopping center Phone: 540/710-7004. Web: www.lennys.com Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Prices: Salads: $6.19

Sandwiches: $3.99-$9.99

Children's menu: $3.99

Desserts: $.99

The Scoop: Clean, friendly, family-oriented, wheelchair accessible. Catering and box lunches are available. Can eat in or take out. Payment: Major credit cards accepted.