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The new Jersey Mike’s Subs will open in Morganton Heights Shopping Center on Wednesday and, as part of its grand opening, the eatery wants to help out a local agency.

Franchise owners and brothers Patrick Dillingham and Phillip Dillingham will hold a free sub fundraiser from Wednesday to Sunday to support The Gingerbread House in Morganton. The Gingerbread House is designed to help streamline child abuse cases, prosecute the offender and provide treatment for victims, according to information on the agency’s website. Jersey Mike’s is circulating 10,000 coupons in the community with the offer of a free regular sub for a minimum $1 donation to The Gingerbread House. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible, according to information from the restaurant. 

“Supporting The Gingerbread House for our grand opening fundraiser is an opportunity to raise money for a good cause and invite customers to try Jersey Mike’s highly authentic product,” said Owner Patrick Dillingham. “At Jersey Mike’s we are committed to making a difference in the community. Phil and I grew up in Nebo, so we’re excited to open a Jersey Mike’s close to home.”

Patrick said he and his brother used to ride their bicycles from Nebo to Morganton when they were kids so they have fond memories of the town. Their parents still live in Burke County.  The brothers decided to open a Jersey Mike’s in Morganton after hearing from customers who live here but would drive to Asheville to get their sub fix, Patrick said.  And after seeing the location in Morganton Heights, it was a no-brainer, Phillip Dillingham said. Patrick said the shopping center draws people from several counties. 

“If you’re going to go anywhere in Morganton, this is the place to go,” Phillip said.

The restaurant will be open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Morganton location is the sixth Jersey Mike’s eatery for the Dillinghams, who owns five other locations in Asheville.

Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised nearly $10 million for worthy charities and have distributed more than one million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes, according to information from the company.  

Jersey Mike’s franchisees across the country are getting ready for the annual Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving in March.  Last year, $2.1 million was raised for more than 100 different charities nationwide, company information says.