Chef Mike’s Sub Shop, the beloved on-campus dining institution, was issued 11 sanitary violations following a recent inspection by the New York City Health Commissioner. Among the various offenses listed by the New York City Health Department was the discovery of a “small rat stationed under the baseball cap of every employee,” the first violation of its kind issued in New York City. Another notable violation asserts the “guy who cuts the Make-Your-Own-Sub gives each sub a small kiss before slicing it and wrapping it up,” a similarly unique citation that has only ever been previously recorded at the nearby Milano Market in early 2022.
Students were more dismayed at the closure than the sanitary violations. One Columbia College student commented, “I don’t care who comes up with the culinary inventions at Chef Mike’s Sub Shop. If we got ‘The Abbey Hsu’ from a human and the ‘Grandma Sub’ from whatever’s going on under the hats of Chef Mike’s employees, I personally know who I trust with building my subs.” Further questioned on the kissing violation, the student continued, “Well, that’s how you know each sub is made with love and care. Would you rather they make food with hatred and spite like they do at JJ’s?”
Spectador reached out to Chef Mike himself for comment, who insisted on wearing his chef hat “out of comfort.” The lauded chef stated, “These are baseless accusations made by Big Sub. The hats are simply part of the uniform.” When asked for him to remove his hat, Chef Mike pointed behind our interviewer and yelled, “Look over there!” Upon turning back to continue the interview after not seeing anything of concern, Chef Mike’s hat was off his head, and he simply commented, “Oh, I must’ve imagined it. Anyway, this is me with no hat. Do you have any more questions?”
In addition to the sanitary citations published by the Health Department, the inspector listed some recommendations for the Sub Shop to improve its operations, including “one meal swipe should also include a nice, hot cup of soup” and “chip selection should be improved.”
