Beloved Grand Terrace Sub Shop Here to Stay

Corey Wilson and his brother Sean Ryan are expanding their sandwich shop, beloved by Grand Terrace locals since opening six years ago. Formerly Grand Terrace Grinders, the shop is now called SoCal Subs to accommodate this expansion–catering to a uniquely Southern California lifestyle through renovations and new décor. Currently in the process of becoming a franchise, the Grand Terrace location is undergoing some changes. “For ease of understanding, we wanted to change the name,” said Wilson. “We go dirt biking, hiking and we enjoy what SoCal provides. There’s fun and games, and our shop is about that kind of lifestyle.” The shop’s new logo also displays the California bear inside a prominent yellow circle. “We’re adding people and places of interest and facts about the state” to the décor, said Wilson, noting Grand Terrace’s own Supercross rider Blake Baggett and 4-wheel driving racer Randy Slawson, King of the Hammers champion, as two well-known customers. “A lot of people come in that live that lifestyle so we’re orienting it to people from SoCal.” The new name also “eliminates some confusion” in regards to the sandwiches they sell, said Wilson, as most people in this area refer to them as “subs.” Their most popular sub is “The SoCal,” featuring among other ingredients turkey, bacon, and a California classic: avocado. Wilson explained the historical significance of regional terms used to describe several types of sandwiches, from grinders to subs to heros. Red iron workers in the early 1900s referred to their sandwiches as grinders, possibly named after an American slang word for rivet grinding. These sandwiches were typically composed of lasting ingredients like tomato, salami and crusty bread to prevent illness from non-refrigeration. The term “hero” remains the prevailing New York City term for most hot sandwiches on a long roll, often including eggplant parmigiana, chicken parmigiana or meatballs, each served with sauce. “Sub” is more widespread, but may have originated for the resemblance of the roll to the shape of a submarine. Wilson said, “I appreciate all the support we’ve had over the last six years and I hope to do this for the next 20 years. We appreciate everyone who has let us serve them.” The shop remains open at 22310 Barton Road Suite B in Grand Terrace, next to Smart Time Food Store, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.