Last December, a new "John's" opened on the corner, presenting University students with an alternative option to Little John's New York Deli.
Jimmy John's gourmet sandwich shop offers similar menu choices including eight-inch subs and giant club sandwiches, as well as snacks such as chips and cookies.
However, some University students said Jimmy John's restaurant atmosphere is significantly different from Little John's.
Jimmy John's "is really cramped -- it doesn't have the same social environment," first-year College student Calder Telep said.
Telep said there were hardly any tables to sit at, and the shop caters more to a takeout crowd.
Telep also compared Jimmy John's to Subway, noting that customers get to choose their sub toppings choices more than they do at Little John's.
Although Telep said a benefit of Jimmy John's was the ease of getting a vegetarian meal, "there weren't chips with it, which was a downer," she said.
When comparing Jimmy John's and Little John's, some students spoke of the custom of going to Little John's after a night out.
"I feel like it's just one of those corner places like the White Spot," second-year College student Dick Leary said. "It's part of U.Va.'s tradition and culture."
First-year College student Rachel Nablo said many people might not even know Jimmy John's exists because Little John's is so popular. In addition, students said Jimmy John's location farther down the Corner -- past Mellow Mushroom -- could be less convenient for students who want to try it out.
Nevertheless, Leary said students might be tempted by the latest Corner restaurant.
"The novelty of [Jimmy John's] might attract people if people would want to go out of the way to try something new," Leary said.
Still, Little John's seems to maintain its high standing with University students looking for a bite to eat after-hours.
"I like Little John's and I think it has a personality that you're never going to be able to replace at U.Va.," Telep said.
Even though Nablo said she prefers the taste of Jimmy John's, she thought most students would probably stick to Little John's.
"I think people will probably go check out Jimmy John's, but I think Little John's is pretty established here," Nablo said.
With three months of business under its belt, Jimmy John's faces stiff competition for University student patronage as the new restaurant on the Corner.
"Between Bodo's and Little John's, I don't think [Jimmy John's has] much of a chance, but I guess we'll see." Telep said.
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