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A diner who walked into Jersey Mike's in North Myrtle Beach saw the long line at the counter and turned around and left. He must not have eaten there before.

I had already been through the line and understood how he felt, but so many people had told me "You've got to try Jersey Mike's" that I felt obliged to wait. And actually, the wait was only about five minutes, and during that time it was fun to watch the three fellows behind the counter. One guy (the franchise owner, Phil Saad) worked the back by the ovens, making hot sandwiches and baking bread. Another man with significant biceps was at the front counter slicing meats and cheeses to order. A third clerk helped assemble cold subs and manned the cash register.

The three of them were working hard, and it was a submarine symphony of motion.

Here's a tip for first-timers: The cash register is on the far right side of the counter, and the line forms to the left. While waiting, you can decide if you want a hot or cold sub, or a salad.

Regular-size Chipotle Cheese Steak meal combo

Hot subs include Jersey Mike's Famous Philly, Chipotle Cheese Steak, Big Kahuna Cheese Steak (in addition to peppers and onions you get mushrooms, jalapenos and extra cheese), Meatball and Cheese, Chicken Parmesan and Grilled Pastrami Reuben. Cold subs span combinations of provolone, Swiss cheese, ham, cappacuolo, Certified Angus top round beef (that's cooked on-site), turkey prosciuttini, salami, pepperoni, bacon and vegetables. They also offer from-scratch tuna and chicken salads. Specially featured subs included Sausage, and Barbecue Beef.

You can get your sandwich in a wrap instead of in a hoagie roll, but unless there's some pressing reason why you don't eat bread, I recommend going for the bread. It's soft, but holds together well, and is totally yummy. Cold subs come "Mike's Way," which is loaded with onions, lettuce and tomatoes, sprinkled with a blend of red wine vinegar and olive oil, and topped with a scattering of spices.

After retreating to a back table to enjoy my Chipotle Cheese Steak (which was not spicy at all, but was overflowing with meat and cheese), I had a fine time people-watching. A steady stream of customers went through the line - female co-workers enjoying lunch together, workingmen in sweatshirts, golfers just off the course, retirees from Illinois (I could tell by the Bears jackets), and - I swear to goodness - a big red shiny fire truck pulled up full of rescue personnel.

That explains why Jersey Mike's needs a display case stacked high with cheese logs and meat bricks. Hansel and Gretel could have a pretty little protein house made from the supplies at Jersey Mike's.

I visited the Jersey Mike's at 4031 U.S. 17 S. in North Myrtle Beach, which is next to Oscar's and across the street from the new Sticky Fingers. The number there is (843) 361-2636. You can go HERE for a couple of coupons if you'd like to check them out. I used one of the coupons and got my regular-size Chipotle Steak Sub, a regular-size Meatball Sub, a bag of chips and a fountain drink for $11.46. I took the Meatball Sub home for my son, and he said it was "excellent."

Three other Grand Strand locations are:

9713 N. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, (843) 497-4949

4390 U.S. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, (843) 357-6545

2676 Church St., Conway, (843) 365-6453