In the summer of 1982, Jimmy John Liautaud curated a menu of six sandwiches, seeking his family's input to finalize the offerings. The top four selections from this family tasting session formed the initial menu of his venture. In January 1983, his Gourmet Sandwiches was born in Charleston, Illinois, positioned conveniently near university bars to attract students looking for late-night dining options.
The beginning was challenging, but his tenacity paid off. He delivered sandwich samples to nearby businesses, which helped him secure his first group of customers. Additionally, he cleverly printed business cards that featured the menu on the reverse side, distributing them around university dorms and local bars. His efforts soon led to the business breaking even.
By the end of its first year, Jimmy John's Liautaud achieved $154,000 in sales, yielding a $40,000 profit, which he shared with his father, who held a 48% stake in the company. By 1986, the success of the business allowed him to buy out his father's share, repaying the initial loan with interest and thus becoming the sole shareholder. This marked the beginning of a remarkable entrepreneurial journey.
In 2017, he and his wife Leslie, along with their children, established the Liautaud Family Foundation. The Foundation supports a diverse range of organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the American Heart Association, Frances Nelson SmileHealthy dental clinic and many more.
