The #5 at Jimmy John's is the Vito® sandwich, a classic Italian sub that has been a staple on the menu since the restaurant's inception in 1983. This sandwich is a perfect representation of Jimmy John's commitment to freshness, with meats sliced in-house daily and bread baked fresh every few hours. The Vito® combines high-quality, hand-sliced Italian meats with fresh veggies and a zesty Italian dressing, making it a fan favorite for its bold flavor profile.
The Anatomy of a Vito®: A Breakdown of Fresh Ingredients
To truly understand the appeal of the Vito®, one must look at the specific components that come together to create its signature taste. This sandwich is celebrated for its simple yet effective combination of classic deli ingredients.
- The Meats: The foundation of the Vito® is a duo of premium Italian cold cuts. Hand-sliced genoa salami provides a savory, rich flavor, while capocollo (also known as coppa) adds a slightly spiced and sweet counterpoint. This combination delivers a satisfyingly meaty texture and complex taste.
- The Cheese: A generous layer of provolone cheese is added to complement the Italian meats. Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that melts just enough to hold the sandwich together without overpowering the other ingredients.
- The Veggies: In true Italian sub fashion, the Vito® is piled high with fresh, crunchy vegetables. It includes hand-sliced lettuce and juicy tomatoes for texture, along with crisp onions for a sharp bite. The freshness of these ingredients is a key differentiator for the brand.
- The Dressing: To complete the Italian flavor, the sandwich is finished with a drizzle of oil and vinegar. This tangy and savory dressing adds a crucial layer of moisture and flavor that ties all the components together, a hallmark of a great sub.
- The Seasoning: A final flourish of oregano and basil is sprinkled over the sandwich, providing an aromatic and distinctly Italian finish.
Customization and Variations of the Vito®
While the classic Vito® is a standout on its own, Jimmy John's offers several ways to customize the #5 to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. From adding extra toppings to changing the bread, there are several options for a personalized experience.
Slim 5: For those who prefer a more straightforward sandwich, the Slim 5 is a stripped-down version of the Vito®. It features only the hand-sliced capocollo, salami, and provolone cheese on your choice of bread, without any additional toppings or sauces. This is perfect for purists who want to focus on the quality of the meats and cheese.
Little John #5: A smaller-sized option, the Little John #5 is a miniature Vito®. It includes the same hand-sliced salami, capocollo, and provolone, but is a more manageable size for a snack, a kids' meal, or a lighter lunch.
The Unwich®: Health-conscious diners can order the Vito® as an Unwich®, where the ingredients are served on a large lettuce wrap instead of bread. This provides all the flavors of the #5 in a lower-carb option.
Adding Extras: You can enhance your Vito® with a variety of add-ons, including hot peppers, cucumbers, or extra cheese. The hot peppers, in particular, are a popular choice to give the Italian sub an extra kick of heat.
5 Vito® vs. #9 Italian Night Club: A Flavor Comparison
While both the #5 Vito® and the #9 Italian Night Club are popular Italian-style sandwiches at Jimmy John's, they offer distinct flavor experiences. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | #5 Vito® | #9 Italian Night Club |
|---|---|---|
| Meats | Salami and capocollo | Salami, capocollo, and ham |
| Cheese | Provolone | Provolone |
| Extras | Standard veggies, oil & vinegar | Adds mayo, more meat, and spices |
| Flavor Profile | Lighter, tangy, and zesty | Richer, heavier, and more robust |
| Overall Feel | A classic, balanced Italian sub | A more decadent, club-style sandwich |
The Legacy of the Vito®
The Vito® isn't just another sandwich on the menu; it's a piece of Jimmy John's history. As one of the original four sandwiches, it has been a testament to the brand's core principles for decades: fast service, fresh ingredients, and a simple menu executed exceptionally well. Its name, Vito, is a playful nod to classic Italian-American heritage, evoking a sense of authenticity and tradition that resonates with customers. The sandwich has remained largely unchanged over the years, a testament to its enduring popularity and perfect recipe. For many, the #5 is the go-to order, a reliable and delicious choice that never disappoints, whether they want the classic, a leaner option, or a modified version.
Conclusion
In summary, the #5 at Jimmy John's is the Vito®, a timeless Italian sub crafted with hand-sliced salami, capocollo, and provolone cheese. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, oil, vinegar, and oregano-basil, it offers a zesty and satisfying experience that has been a fan favorite for decades. Whether you opt for the original, the Slim version, or the Unwich®, the Vito® delivers on its promise of fresh, high-quality ingredients with every bite. The consistency and classic flavor of this sandwich are a testament to why it has remained one of Jimmy John's most beloved and enduring menu items.
