Quick, what's the 10th largest city in the United States?

Did you guess San Jose, California?

It's true.

This so-called capital of Silicon Valley is an economic engine of the sunshine state and

one of the most prosperous metropolis in America.

But back before the microchip launched a new type of gold rush in this former Spanish

colony town, a student at San Jose State University opened a sandwich shop just off campus,

with a tiny dining room that only seated four, the eatery focused on takeout, it's

sign boasting, sandwiches to go.

The latter half of that phrase morphing into the restaurant's unique name.

A second location spawned in 1974 in the chain grew within California during the 70s

and 80s, culminating in a purchase by Duncan Donuts in 1997, which expanded operations across

the American West.

In 1978, the company became the first to institute a mystery shopper program, where an undercover

operative would pose as a civilian to sample the restaurant's wares.

Such innovation helped the chain boast 350 franchises at its peak, though that number

contracted to 250 in the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis.

Now under the corporate ownership of private equity firm, main sale partners, this West

Coast sandwich shop continues to offer its menu of soups, salads, sammies, and wraps.

This week on Do Boys, To Go's.

Welcome to Do Boys, a podcast about chain restaurants I'm Nick Weiger alongside the

Spoon Man, Mike Mitchell, Hi-Eden Spoon Man.

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