I’ve been eating at Miami Subs Grill for close to 30 years. Back in the day, I remember when a glob of mayo fell from my burger on my favorite PJ Harvey shirt, I could never get out that damn stain!
The cheesesteak is probably my favorite item on the menu, but I also like to get Nathan’s double cheeseburger occasionally.
It’s a fast food-style burger reminiscent of Char-Hut’s, but I can’t resist. The burger can sometimes be a little dry, so if you’re expecting your burger to be cooked to medium, you will have to look elsewhere.
Miami Subs is best known for its spicy fries, which some people swear by, but not me. I prefer the Nathan’s fries with a bit of nacho cheese.
Since I’m ordering Nathan’s fries, I might as well get a hot dog for the drive home; by mistake, of course.
Miami Grill
3700 NW 42nd Avenue
Miami Springs, FL
(786) 360-2194
Website – https://mymiamigrill.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/miamigrill
Monday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Wednesday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Thursday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 10:00 am – 12:00 am
Miami Subs History
Throughout its history, Miami Subs has aimed to offer a diverse menu of comfort food classics. The concept was modeled after South Florida-style sub shops that offered a combination of sandwiches, salads, and fast-food items.
In 1980, Gus Boulis, an entrepreneur originally from Greece, laid the foundation for Miami Subs with a modest, run-down restaurant in Key West named Mr. Submarine. Gus breathed new life into this establishment, ultimately molding it into a thriving and popular chain.
The franchise was renamed Miami Subs in early 1990. However, in 1999, approximately two years before Gus’s tragic murder, a pivotal transition occurred as Gus relinquished Miami Subs to the New York-based hot dog chain Nathan’s Famous.
Popular dishes from Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Kenny Roger’s, and Arthur Treacher’s made their way onto store menus. It was my favorite period in Miami Subs’ food history.
Tragically, Gus’s passing in 2001 marked the beginning of a decline for the Miami Subs brand that he had painstakingly nurtured. An insider connected to the Boulis family disclosed that the chain grappled with internal management conflicts, exacerbating its woes.
The Decline Brings Pitbull
Nationwide, Miami Subs outlets gradually declined in 2003 after bankruptcy, accompanied by dwindling profits. In 2007, Nathan’s divested itself of Miami Subs, transferring ownership to a private investment group named Miami Subs Capital Partner 1 Inc. Despite the change in ownership, the company’s financial struggles endured, and it teetered on the precipice of closure.
In July 2012, Miami Subs Capital announced the acquisition of a majority equity stake by Armando Christian Pérez, universally recognized as Pitbull. Pitbull secured a position on the board but also assumed the mantle of the company’s public face.
In 2014, the company rebranded itself as Miami Subs Grill. Today, Miami Grill operates approximately 30 establishments headquartered in Boca Raton.
Its outlets are primarily in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. And even though they’ve incorporated plant-based options into its menu in 2019, the iconic neon pink and blue signage endures.