If you ever owned a Super Nintendo, watched Bob Ross paint happy little trees, or can recite random quotes from The Princess Bride — you’ll feel right at home at Sub Culture, a new sandwich shop that pays homage to the great pop culture icons of the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Walking into the shop is like entering a parallel universe where WWF matches are still televised on TV and you can still order Tab soda. The shop even has custom-built SNES/Atari/Sega emulators, which let you play games while you eat dinner — just like you did as a kid.
The brainchild of Jersey City residents Nick Roda and William Visnosky, the name Sub Culture combines the duo’s two favorite things — subs and pop culture. The idea to open a sandwich shop came about while the two friends worked on a pair of animated shows for the OSI 74 Roku channel called UnSports 74 and Pencils.
How long did it take to decorate Sub Culture and create that epic menu?
Nick: Once the main construction of Sub Culture was complete, it took about two to three weeks to complete the decor. The planning for the decor took about a month. The menu took about two weeks to compile and then an additional two to three weeks to come up with the graphic design and the names.
What’s your favorite piece of nostalgia at the shop?
Nick: My favorite piece of nostalgia is the original 1988 New York Mets poster, which is located near the entrance of the kitchen down video game ally. William’s favorite is the VHS molding that runs throughout the restaurant, which consists of both our wrestling tape collection.
You mentioned you’ve been a Jersey City resident for years — how do you feel about the changes the city is undergoing?
Nick: I was born and raised in Jersey City and have seen it drastically change over the last 33 years. I think most of the change has been for the better, however, the one change that I don’t like is how expensive the city has become. That’s why we made our menu very affordable, so that our patrons can come to Sub Culture for a fun night out and not break the bank while doing it.
William: When we’re asked about being from Jersey City, I always make the statement “born and raised” since Nick was born here and I was raised here after I moved from Staten Island. I’ve always taken pride in being raised in Jersey City. It’s great seeing the whole city finally start to reach its full potential.
William & Nick (Photo by Matthew Maroulakas)
First time diners at Sub Culture must to try your ____ ?
Nick: First time diners must try the It Just Doesn’t Matter on the Parm Fiction portion of the menu. The It Just Doesn’t Matter is a Meatball Parm sandwich, which gets its name from the cult classic movie Meatballs. The meatballs and mom’s gravy are made by my mom, Angela Roda, and they are to die for!
William: First time diners must try the Chim, Chimi, Churri Wrap, which is located on the Yo! MTV Wraps section of our menu. This wrap was created in my kitchen at home by me, my wife — Aislynn — and two kids, Greyson and Raven.
Sub Culture is BYOB though you’ll definitely want to leave room for their milkshakes. You can follow them on Instagram for special screenings and events.
Sub Culture | 260 Newark Avenue (between Monmouth & 2nd Street)
