The sandwich concept was launched by Andre Blais, the founder of Bodean’s BBQ, in Exmouth Market in 2024 and named in honour of his father.
The new location is likely to feature Gerry’s signature subs such as the Philly Cheesesteak, made with thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, sautéed sweet red peppers and Provolone cheese; the Cubano, featuring pulled pork, sliced ham, Emmental cheese, pickles, mustard, mayonnaise and pickled red onions; and the Chicken Club with oregano and maple syrup marinated chicken strips, avocado, tomato, streaky bacon, crispy fried onions, lettuce and mayonnaise.
Gerry’s also serves a range of hot dogs, poutine fries, and salads, alongside a drinks menu that includes iced teas, beer, wine, cider and soft drinks.
In 2022 Blais launched a crowdfunding campaign for Gerry’s, seeking nearly £280,000 through Seedrs to open the brand’s first venue. The campaign followed a successful six-month trial at Battersea ghost kitchen Foodstar, where approximately 7,000 hot subs were sold alongside salads, oak wood smoked wings, breakfast burritos and a range of sides.
On the Gerry’s website, Blais writes: ‘Now I know a thing or two about subs and smoked meats having travelled Canada and the United States eating every kind of Sub, Hoagie, Hero, Grinder, Torpedo and Poor Boy (and the occasional burrito & hot wing). All my research inspired me to set up the award winning, Bodean’s BBQ… But now I’m going right back to my roots with this authentic, hot sub ‘deli’.’