Heard they plan to name the ladies room in yer honor. Of course, that might only be a rumor.

EEWWWW. That would be a waste of glory. I would NOT use their facilities.

Just wondering since all this has happened fairly recently (mainly at the one on NW Expwy/MacArthur since that's the one I go to for lunch):

No more whole 12" sandwiches, just 6" ones (this is company-wide and they said it was because they sell more 6" ones than 12" ones, but I still can't quite figure out the logic of how making only 6" sandwiches is saving them money).

Less filling in the sandwiches (wife has also noticed this at the downtown City Bites)

"Gourmet" iced tea choices are gone, just Luzianne (also at the downtown location)

They are now closing at 3 PM instead of 8 PM (not sure if that's company-wide or not)

They are no longer accepting "House Accounts" (I assume some companies/people have standing POs or something with them) as of Jan 1, 2012.

Running out of jalapeno cheese bread at 12:30 PM (this has happened 3 times now, not sure if I want to support them any longer if they can't manage their bread inventory any better than that).

All signs seem to point to having problems making ends meet, just wonder if they can pull it out of the dive in time before they hit the ground (just my opinion, but that's what it seems like is happening). This would suck because they're still my sandwich restaurant of choice here in OKC.

Anybody else notice signs of slippage at any other locations?

Last summer my daughter's tennis team went to the location on NW 39th during a tennis tournament. Much to our surprise they had no bread. None at all. I asked how a sandwich shop could have absolutely no bread and they didn't have an answer and didn't really seem to care. We went to Jersey Mike's and they were great. They were very appreciative of our business and gave everyone free cookies. We were a group of 20-30 people and we all left disappointed it City Bites.

I have no knowledge or info about City Bites, but any time a restaurant starts running out of supplies at a conspicuous time of day (like lunch), it can't be a good sign. There was a small sandwich shop next door to our office and, one day, they were out of something crazy, like potato chips for their entrees, or something like that, and I told a coworker "they're on the way out, because they're not buying stock or they can't get credit anymore." Sure enough, next week, they were gone.

Hard not to think the same thing is going on here. When your cutting production, running out of raw materials, and closing earlier and earlier, its just part of a slow death for something like a restaurant.

City Bites has gone downhill rather drastically IMHO over the last several years. We used to go there quite frequently when my kids were younger, but at some point -- seemingly right around the time they spun off their breadmaking to another group -- things started changing. The restaurants didn't seem as well run, they didn't seem clean, just started going downhill, all to the point where we just stopped going. And with a place like Jersey Mike's around, I can't honestly say I miss CB very much at all. JM's is "da bomb" for subs in my book.

Eeeek...I will try to have City Bites this weekend to see if these downgrades have happened at all locations. Very sad.

Jersey Mike's...no thanks. I will always go to the more local sandwich establishment first, but if I must eat at the national chain, JM is at the bottom of my list. Even below Subway.

Jersey Mikes rules on subs but still love the spuds at City Bites

Eeeek...I will try to have City Bites this weekend to see if these downgrades have happened at all locations. Very sad.

Jersey Mike's...no thanks. I will always go to the more local sandwich establishment first, but if I must eat at the national chain, JM is at the bottom of my list. Even below Subway.

** SIGH ** No disrespect, but you're letting your bias/bigotry against "chains" (which I have yet to figure out, but that's another issue) keep you from one of the best sub sandwiches *anywhere*. Ingredients are fresh-cut while you wait, *unlike* Subway meats where they're prepackaged in pre-measured units. For me, Jersey Mikes beats Subway up and down the street. Its not even close.

Jersey Mike's is a true Jersey-born sandwich shop, and yes, they're a "chain," but they're also absolutely authentic sandwiches along with their TastyKakes. Please let me encourage you to give JM's a try and judge it on its own merits rather than skipping it because of some predisposition against "chains.' The only person you're hurting is yourself.:doh:

used to go to City Bites at least once a week for lunch but then changed jobs and hours and has been at least 10 years since I was in one. Am back to a daytime schedule now and may have to go by there again

Me too.
Perhaps this is all simply a delayed reaction to/result of the City Bites gaffe regarding yielding to the public pressure to change The Mad Cow burger branch of their fine efforts to whatever it is now.

I used to really like their "California Club"?
Or was that a different Submariine Sandwich Shop?

California Club and .....the pumpkin cookie!

** SIGH ** No disrespect, but you're letting your bias/bigotry against "chains" (which I have yet to figure out, but that's another issue) keep you from one of the best sub sandwiches *anywhere*. Ingredients are fresh-cut while you wait, *unlike* Subway meats where they're prepackaged in pre-measured units. For me, Jersey Mikes beats Subway up and down the street. Its not even close.

Jersey Mike's is a true Jersey-born sandwich shop, and yes, they're a "chain," but they're also absolutely authentic sandwiches along with their TastyKakes. Please let me encourage you to give JM's a try and judge it on its own merits rather than skipping it because of some predisposition against "chains.' The only person you're hurting is yourself.:doh:

Nice to hear about their fresh-cut meats, but not so impressive to me, because I am not a big meat-eater. I'm not a vegetarian, but I LOVE the veggie sandwich from City Bites, for example.

I've been to Jersey Mike's twice. The second time was with 6 of my coworkers, and we all mutually decided we'd rather go to Subway than JM's. Sorry, it's just an opinion. I wouldn't ever write my opinion about someplace I had not tried.

About the local thing--again, just my opinion. I'd rather go to City Bites, Someplace Else, or Lee's Sandwiches before anywhere else. If I do a chain, it's Jimmy John's or Yello Sub.

Lee's is a chain.

Lee's is a chain.

LOL and so it goes :) I suppose its not relevant that City Bites, on its corporate website, defines ITSELF as a "chain." Oh, well, as I said, I don't get the "chain" bigotry, but I guess I don't have to, either :) To each their own.

Ha! Well, don't I look smart--I didn't realize Lee's was so widespread.

I have absolutely no problems with chains. I eat at them frequently, SoonerDave. Jimmy John's is close to my office, and I go there a lot.

I'd rather go to a good sandwich shop that is unique to OKC or to the region, though. Especially if their product is, in my opinion, better. Surely you understand that?

Ha! Well, don't I look smart--I didn't realize Lee's was so widespread.

I have absolutely no problems with chains. I eat at them frequently, SoonerDave. Jimmy John's is close to my office, and I go there a lot.

[quote]

Fair enough - you had just said that when you "had" to eat a national chain, JM's was at the bottom of your list. I took that as an implicit indictment.

[QUOTE=JayhawkTransplant;487971]I'd rather go to a good sandwich shop that is unique to OKC or to the region, though. Especially if their product is, in my opinion, better. Surely you understand that?

I surely understand the latter - voting for the better/preferred product with your dollars. I don't personally agree with arbitrarily going to any particular business just because its "local." If you're saying you like a regional place because they are the only ones to offer a particular kind of product, okay, I buy that, too. In general, though, better/best product wins my $ regardless of where the incorporation papers were signed. Even if they're incorporated on Mars, the chains employ local folks, buy city utilities, pay local sales taxes, etc., so the city/community still benefit. Many franchise operations are owned by "local" folks, too, so they get hurt as well on the chains-are-inherently-bad concept.

Oh, I agree. Believe me...I am too in love with Chipotle to be able to adopt a 'national chains are bad' mentality.

However, I will add that I travel throughout Oklahoma a lot for work, and I get sad when my coworkers elect to go to a Subway or McDonald's for dinner rather than trying the local restaurant.

Jersey Mike's rules!

My sandwich shop preferences go...

1. Lee's
2. Jersey Mike's
3. Subway
4. Someplace Else (only ranks below Subway because of the single location)

Jersey Mikes is pretty good but i still like going to Neptunes on 32nd and Classen just as i did as a wee lad attending John Carroll.

Jersey Mike's rules!

My sandwich shop preferences go...

1. Lee's
2. Jersey Mike's
3. Subway
4. Someplace Else (only ranks below Subway because of the single location)

It's amazing how much of the city isn't even aware of Lee's. Considering they have just one location, let's try to keep it that way!
;)
(in total agreement of Lee's on top, but would probably put Hobbie's Hoagies in No. 4 and Someplace Else at No 3)

Oh, I love Someplace Else. I can't believe City Bites wanted to go head to head with them by putting a store right across the street.

to those of you ranking sandwich places... no love for nd foods?!? -M

1. Which Wich

chicken cordon bleu, on wheat, toasted, swiss,red onions,...

Eeeek...I will try to have City Bites this weekend to see if these downgrades have happened at all locations. Very sad.

Jersey Mike's...no thanks. I will always go to the more local sandwich establishment first, but if I must eat at the national chain, JM is at the bottom of my list. Even below Subway.
This. JM is the absolute worst and also the most expensive. JM is bland, stale bread, and have the weirdest menu.

to those of you ranking sandwich places... no love for nd foods?!? -M

ND foods is awesome but expensive and very odd location.

Did I miss someone mentioning Hobbie's Hoagies?
(From what I've heard--never ate there yet--they are, like, The Mount Olympus of Submarine Sandwiches.)

Did I miss someone mentioning Hobbie's Hoagies?
(From what I've heard--never ate there yet--they are, like, The Mount Olympus of Submarine Sandwiches.)

See Steve in post number 18.

Lee's Sandwiches has stores in several states I know of...maybe in other countries as well. This concept wasn't started in Oklahoma.

The last time we ate at City Bites (NW 39th & MacArthur location) before heading back to Austin (last year sometime) it was not as good as we remembered. My wife was disappointed they no longer had the meatball sub and they were out of the mesquite chicken that I normally got (Sunday afternoon around noon). We used to eat there often on our trips up there and wished they were in Austin. Seems like they lost their way somewhere along the line. That seems to happen to most local shops, maybe it is owner disinterest or something else after awhile. I used to eat at Sub Stop (N. Western location) often until they fell off and started going to City Bites. One of my favorites that was open for a short time was Dave's Hole In the Wall on Campus Corner, they had a unique sandwich. The local Austin institution (Thundercloud) was always a disappointment to me, I pretty much stuck with WhichWich there. Jimmy John's was OK, never tried Jersey Mike's, there weren't many around in Austin that I knew of. I still haven't found a place here in Denver yet, been to Subway a couple of times on 16th Street Mall because it is pretty close to the office but Subway is what it is, the McDonald's of sub shops, you pretty much know what you are gonna get, good or mediocre.

I loved Sub Stop when it was in its prime. Used to go to the one at May and NW 122 all the time. What the heck happened to it?

Went to city bites last week and tried to order large bbq brisket and all i got was confused faces. ended up having to order two, which is now a few bucks more than if it was just a regular large. prob wont go back. makes zero sense.

Steve, went to sub stop on danforth and bryant last week for first time in a while. don't know if it was same frachise as one on may but it was as good as ever.

I loved Sub Stop when it was in its prime. Used to go to the one at May and NW 122 all the time. What the heck happened to it?

They used to have one a little down the tunnel from Chase Tower prob 8 yrs or so ago?

Went to city bites last week and tried to order large bbq brisket and all i got was confused faces. ended up having to order two, which is now a few bucks more than if it was just a regular large. prob wont go back. makes zero sense.

.....

May not make any sense to you, but makes lots of "cents" to the owners to have customers order 2 6" sandwiches if they're hungry. :-P

Lee's Sandwiches has stores in several states I know of...maybe in other countries as well. This concept wasn't started in Oklahoma.

If I'm not mistaken, they were started in Southern California and big in cities where there are large Vietnamese populations (Orange County, Houston, OKC, etc.)

As far as City Bites, yes their quality has gone done unfortunately. They were the first "local" place I ever tried when I came to this area for school back in 2004. I went back about 3 months ago and got some bacon/chicken soft taco thingie.

It was terrible. Jimmy Johns has permanently replaced them in my food rotation.

Always seems like the best-intentioned local eateries go astray for some reason.

I remember a VERY popular (and very good) local chain called Cocina de Mino from about 10-15 years ago that had, at their peak, several sites across OKC and each one was very popular. After they'd been open for some time, someone I knew who was *very* familiar with their operations on the business side relayed that there was concern the owners had kinda stopped paying attention, the books were getting sloppy, lots of internal/ego issues, expanded too quick, didn't manage $$ properly, but the restaurants continued to be successful on their established momentum, so a sense of invincibility set it. Eventually, sure enough, that person became a prophet - when the good reputation faded, the business ebbed, and then the financial house more or less caved in, revealing a pile of debt, and most of (if not all) the original restaurants went kaput. Poof. It's just sad.

Now, let me caveat this comment by saying that I believe there is still a restaurant operating under that name somewhere in S. OKC, but I don't think there's any relationship whatsoever to that original ownership group. If there is, I have no knowledge of it, and the person who told me about the bad condition of the original group is not involved in the restaurant industry any longer. As I said, this was back about a decade or more ago, so please understand there's no disparagement of that current restaurant implied at all....just interesting how even successful restaurants have a tough time enduring over the long haul. Tough, tough business if you're not constantly on top of your game.

I haven't been to CB in a while, I've always had a good experience, but have not seen their new changes as mentioned here.

Meanwhile....Subway is having.... "Customer Appreciation Month" ; offering $2.00 6" subs!

http://www.subway.com/subwayroot/Freshbuzz/customerappreciation/default.aspx

Local or not, a $2 sub is difficult to pass up.

I haven't noticed much decline in city bites, other than I hate how they cut their 6" sandwiches in half these days giving me two 3" pieces. I don't get that.

I like Planet Sub in Edmond. My kids got me hooked on them. Our youngest used to eat at City Bites when he was in high school. They would go there at lot at lunch, because it was quicker than Planet Sub at lunch time and because the girl he always went to lunch with liked it. But if he ever had the time, it was Planet Sub. Still when either of my kids are home for the weekend or the holidays, I always know that on Sunday afternoon, before they head back to school, they will always be planning a stop there on their way out of town.

The last time I went to City Bites, a few months ago, I was really disappointed. It just seemed like there was nothing on the sandwich but bread.

City Bites is incredibly frustrating. When they are good they're really good, but when they're bad... The locations are terribly inconsistent too. North Western is usually pretty good and there have never been any issues when I've gone during the lunch hour. But the Yukon location has tons of issues - don't go through the drive thru unless you have at least 20 min to spare. Count on them being out of potatoes and at least some breads. Check your order before you leave - most likely it is incorrect. The inside of the store is usually filthy. I don't think they ever clean tables during the day.

Always seems like the best-intentioned local eateries go astray for some reason.

I remember a VERY popular (and very good) local chain called Cocina de Mino from about 10-15 years ago that had, at their peak, several sites across OKC and each one was very popular. After they'd been open for some time, someone I knew who was *very* familiar with their operations on the business side relayed that there was concern the owners had kinda stopped paying attention, the books were getting sloppy, lots of internal/ego issues, expanded too quick, didn't manage $$ properly, but the restaurants continued to be successful on their established momentum, so a sense of invincibility set it. Eventually, sure enough, that person became a prophet - when the good reputation faded, the business ebbed, and then the financial house more or less caved in, revealing a pile of debt, and most of (if not all) the original restaurants went kaput. Poof. It's just sad.

Now, let me caveat this comment by saying that I believe there is still a restaurant operating under that name somewhere in S. OKC, but I don't think there's any relationship whatsoever to that original ownership group. If there is, I have no knowledge of it, and the person who told me about the bad condition of the original group is not involved in the restaurant industry any longer. As I said, this was back about a decade or more ago, so please understand there's no disparagement of that current restaurant implied at all....just interesting how even successful restaurants have a tough time enduring over the long haul. Tough, tough business if you're not constantly on top of your game.

Cocino de Mino went down hill when the original owners sold the concept.

I don't know a lot of Spanish . . . but doesn't "Cocino de Mino" mean "My Kitchen"?
Or perhaps "Mino's" Kitchen?

And, if the original owners--perhaps including someone named Mino--sold the concept, doesn't that lead, inevitably, to a [lack of] truth in labeling lawsuit? Expecially when the Submarine Sandwiches they may or may not sell at Cocino de [Whoever's] are actually tortas?

'cocina de mino' means mino's kitchen... it's hard to imagine such a popular restaurant existed on se 29th & stiles. the only one i know of still in existence is in the old grocery store spot in the strip center at sw 59th & western.

haven't been to city bites in a while... really hope it doesn't follow the same path to extinction. given how pc the world has become, i wonder if they still have the restrooms done up the same way?

-M

It meant "Mino's Kitchen" and according to the legend posted in the restaurant, Mino was the (very) young son of the owners, much as the Stevens family named "Dolores" for their young daughter (who outlived the restaurant, passing away this past summer).

The original Mino's was located just off May avenue, in the building later occupied by Ted's, and was still run by the family when it then moved up to NW 122 and May...

The original Mino's was located just off May avenue

i don't think so... i'm pretty sure that the little building on se 29th was the first one. -M

I know that Ted's was the May Cafe prior to being Ted's, that is what it was called when it was originally built. I think it came into Ted's hands because the family business (Curtis Restaurant Supply) was a major creditor. This was after Ted had sold his recording studio (Studio 7) and I guess was looking for something new to do.

i don't think so... i'm pretty sure that the little building on se 29th was the first one. -M

+1

Wasn't the original Cocina de Mino in a white building on 29th St. right across from the old Carey Lumber? I used to buy a lot of lumber at Carey and there were always lines out the door of that restaurant . . . Never ate there myself because I was always in a hurry to get somewhere else...with the lumber. I seem to recall that the next time I notice a Cocina de Mino was up in Edmond near that nice wine store.

Wasn't the original Cocina de Mino in a white building on 29th St. right across from the old Carey Lumber? I used to buy a lot of lumber at Carey and there were always lines out the door of that restaurant . . . Never ate there myself because I was always in a hurry to get somewhere else...with the lumber. I seem to recall that the next time I notice a Cocina de Mino was up in Edmond near that nice wine store.
There's a Chelinos by the wine store on Boulevard. Don't know if there's ever been a Cocina de Mino there. It's been Chelinos as long as we've been here, about 5 1/2 years.

Chellinos. Dang. I always get those places mixed up. =)
For all I know it may have been the original Chellinos down there on 29th.
Thanks for setting me straight.

Does anyone remember a Submarine Sandwich Shop (from back in the '70s) across the highway (to the north) from what used to be Baptist Hospital? I would swear that it was a Subway, but it was way more like a deli than the Subways of today. I also seem to recall that the sandwiches were even a little better than what you can currently get at Subway . . . Plus they had potato salad. And lots of hanging plants. BTW: The BMT at Subway is one of the best values around. Now if they would only add Olive Salad (the famous Muffelata topping) as a garnish option.

i'm pretty sure that the first chelino's was on sw 36th (grand blvd) & walker in an old dairy queen... it's still operating there! -M

Chellinos. Dang. I always get those places mixed up. =)
For all I know it may have been the original Chellinos down there on 29th.
Thanks for setting me straight.

Does anyone remember a Submarine Sandwich Shop (from back in the '70s) across the highway (to the north) from what used to be Baptist Hospital? I would swear that it was a Subway, but it was way more like a deli than the Subways of today. I also seem to recall that the sandwiches were even a little better than what you can currently get at Subway . . . Plus they had potato salad. And lots of hanging plants. BTW: The BMT at Subway is one of the best values around. Now if they would only add Olive Salad (the famous Muffelata topping) as a garnish option.

Our family ate at the sub shop you remember quite a bit. I'm pretty sure that it was owned by Paul Seikel and a friend of his. Yes, the Paul Seikel of Pearls fame. He and his wife were almost always there. It was great!

mmm,
You are correct sir. I ate there several times on weekends. I worked near Baptist hospital and when they opened on May, I was thrilled.
C. T.

i don't think so... i'm pretty sure that the little building on se 29th was the first one. -M

okcisok,
Yes, it was owned by Paul Seikel and called Subway Deli. After a few years they moved West between MacArthur and Rockwell. I believe they were on the property that is now the fast Italian food. The name escapes me at the moment. Same style, his wife was there all the time and was pregnant for part of that time. They opened the last Subway Deli on S. Meridian.
C. T.

Our family ate at the sub shop you remember quite a bit. I'm pretty sure that it was owned by Paul Seikel and a friend of his. Yes, the Paul Seikel of Pearls fame. He and his wife were almost always there. It was great!

Jersey Mike's rules!

My sandwich shop preferences go...

1. Lee's
2. Jersey Mike's
3. Subway
4. Someplace Else (only ranks below Subway because of the single location)

I agree with this, but I'm willing to make an out of the way trip to go to Someplace Else before I'd go to a Subway. If it's down to City Bites, I would just as soon skip the meal and munch on some granola in my office. Worst sandwich place ever.

Pickles,
To make sure there is no misunderstanding, the place we were talking about in the last couple of posts was not the chain "Subway", it was a local store called Subway Deli. I guess we have gotten off the subject, City Bites.
C. T.

I agree with this, but I'm willing to make an out of the way trip to go to Someplace Else before I'd go to a Subway. If it's down to City Bites, I would just as soon skip the meal and munch on some granola in my office. Worst sandwich place ever.

Based upon all of the responses on this thread so far, I would say that the answer to the question "City Bites Having Problems?" is a resounding "Yes" . . . "Yes it is." =)

Based upon all of the responses on this thread so far, I would say that the answer to the question "City Bites Having Problems?" is a resounding "Yes" . . . "Yes it is." =)

Ha, indeed it is... Oh well, at least they had a good long run, have to start scouting out other sandwich places now, will probably try some of those suggested in this thread (except Which Wich - tried it (NW Expwy location) and it's just too small and crowded to eat there comfortably), thanks to all for the info.

Last time I ate there....I think last year...or very early this year...the one in MWC didn't have chicken strips like Subway does, but went ahead with the rounded chicken slices. Dunno if they had SW Chiptole or not...can't remember. Used to eat there a lot when younger...now dangerously rare. I think its still good and I would eat there if the time is right. They are not widespread like Subway is.

The bathroom is still the same with the mirror window. People can still see inside if they look close enough. Never understood how they got away with it.

huh
This. JM is the absolute worst and also the most expensive. JM is bland, stale bread, and have the weirdest menu.

Wow. You must have gone to a lousy JM's, because:numchucks my experience with them has been stellar, with their sandwich dressing making their offerings anything but bland. My mom tells me they remind her of the old sub shops she visited in New York when she lived up there several years ago. No way they'd be that successful if they were as universally bad as you indicate here..

Forward Foods has some of the best sandwiches around. Go there at lunch and they usually have three or four sammies with unbelievably good, fresh, innovative ingredients and combinations. Yummo.

huh

Wow. You must have gone to a lousy JM's, because:numchucks my experience with them has been stellar, with their sandwich dressing making their offerings anything but bland. My mom tells me they remind her of the old sub shops she visited in New York when she lived up there several years ago. No way they'd be that successful if they were as universally bad as you indicate here..

I agree. Metro must have gone on a bad day or something. These restaurant threads always make me laugh though. People forget that everything is subjective when we're talking what food and tastes people like and don't like.