9 Tennessee Sandwich Chains Customers Praise For Their Fresh Deli Sandwiches
A sandwich shop near Nashville lets you finish lunch with free soft serve ice cream. I find that kind of generosity pretty hard to resist.
That little freebie made me curious about the bigger picture. Across Tennessee, sandwich chains keep winning fans with bread baked fresh, meats sliced to order, and subs pulled hot off the grill.
One of them started as a single sub shop in a Memphis suburb in 1998. Another squeezes its lemonade fresh, and another stacks its signature sandwich on house sourdough.
So which counters deserve your next lunch break? I rounded up nine that keep earning praise for fresh deli sandwiches, and I’d love to know which one you’d try first.
1. Lennys Grill & Subs, Memphis, TN
Memphis gave the sub world more than barbecue, and Lennys is the tasty proof. The chain calls Memphis home and runs around 100 locations, mostly across the Southeast.
Its story started small and local. Len and Shelia Moore opened the first Lenny’s Sub Shop in Bartlett, Tennessee, on September 16, 1998.
Today the Poplar Avenue shop leans into two big strengths. You get Philly-style cheesesteaks plus fresh-sliced deli subs on freshly baked bread.
Craving something cold and classic? Lenny’s Italian is a menu highlight, while the French Dip covers the hot, dunkable side of lunch.
Not every visit needs bread, either. A Teriyaki Chicken Philly salad gives you cheesesteak flavor in a lighter, leafier form.
Save room, because the cookie lineup is no afterthought. Oatmeal raisin, white chocolate macadamia nut, and chocolate chip cookies each have a spot on the menu.
The room feels casual and quiet, with no table service. You order, grab a seat, and get back to your day without fuss.
Kids get their own menu, and catering is available for bigger crowds. That makes it handy for office lunches and team parties alike.
Weekday hours run until 8 PM, while Sundays wrap up at 5 PM. Plan your cheesesteak cravings with care, because nobody wants to pull in at 5:05.
Address: 6300 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119
2. McAlister’s Deli, Jackson, TN
Sweet tea gets top billing here, but the sandwiches are no sidekicks. McAlister’s built its name on hand-crafted sandwiches, giant stuffed spuds, and its Famous Sweet Tea.
The chain traces back to 1989 and founder Chris Newcomb. Fun twist: he later helped launch Newk’s Eatery, another popular Southern restaurant chain.
Start with The McAlister’s Club if you like a tall sandwich. It layers smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, bacon, sharp cheddar, and Swiss on wheat bread.
Spring mix, tomato, mayo, and McAlister’s Honey Mustard finish the stack. You’ll want both hands and maybe a stack of napkins.
Prefer something hot and tangy? The Reuben is a standout on the Jackson menu, and the French Dip makes a strong backup plan.
Soup fans can pair either one with Chicken Tortilla Soup. It’s a smart move on a chilly West Tennessee afternoon.
Eating meat-free? The menu includes vegetarian dishes and options that can be customized for vegan diners, so nobody at the table has to settle for a side salad.
Service runs at the counter in a casual, easygoing room. Curbside pickup, delivery, and outdoor seating give you even more ways to eat.
Doors open at 10:30 AM daily and close at 9 PM. Sunday and Thursday afternoons tend to get busy, so evenings are calmer.
Address: 1012 Vann Dr Ste A, Jackson, TN 38305
3. Jason’s Deli, Brentwood, TN
Free ice cream after a sandwich sounds like a childhood dream, yet Jason’s Deli makes it real. The Brentwood shop offers complimentary soft serve, and that alone deserves a little applause.
Of course, dessert only works if lunch delivers first. This health-conscious chain covers that part with specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads.
Deli classics fill the board. Think pastrami, roasted turkey, smoked turkey, roast beef, and ham.
Chicken salad with almonds and pineapple adds a sweet crunch. Tuna salad with eggs is on the menu too.
Need to watch gluten? Gluten-sensitive bread is available, which makes sandwich night easier for plenty of families.
The Carmela is a hearty sandwich featuring salami, pepperoni, ham, melted provolone, spicy pepper relish, and mayo on toasted sourdough.
Then there’s the salad bar, which is large and well stocked. You can build a lighter plate or pile on extras beside your sandwich.
Strawberry Shortcake waits for anyone who wants more than soft serve. Honestly, nobody would blame you for having both.
Hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM daily. Sunday mornings into afternoons get busy, while weekday evenings tend to be quieter.
Curbside pickup and free Wi-Fi round things out. It sits right on Franklin Road, a handy stop in this busy Middle Tennessee suburb.
Address: 279 Franklin Rd, Brentwood, TN 37027
4. Penn Station Sandwiches, Murfreesboro, TN
Lemons get squeezed by the cupful here, and the sandwiches come off a hot grill. Penn Station earns its fans with grilled subs, fresh-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
That trio is the whole game plan. Order one of each and you’ve basically completed the Penn Station starter kit.
Grilled subs are the main event. They land hot and fresh, with heat that makes melted cheese and toasted bread really shine.
Want a strong first pick? The Italian, served heated, has earned serious praise as a top-tier sandwich.
Reuben lovers have an option too. The Grilled Reuben even shows up as a kids meal, which feels like a very fancy upgrade from chicken nuggets.
Those fries are cut fresh, so skip the urge to share. Okay, share a few, but guard the rest.
Counter service keeps things moving in a clean, casual dining room. High chairs and a kids’ menu make family dinners easier.
Night owls, take note. The shop stays open until 11 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday hours end at 9 PM.
Friday afternoons into evenings and Saturdays tend to fill up. Late weeknights are the quiet stretch if you prefer elbow room.
It sits on Medical Center Parkway in Murfreesboro, with plenty of free parking. That’s a welcome perk in a growing college town.
Address: 3053 Medical Center Pkwy C, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
5. Jersey Mike’s Subs, Chattanooga, TN
Watching your turkey get sliced right in front of you is half the fun. At Jersey Mike’s, meats and cheeses are cut fresh while you wait.
The brand dates its sub history to 1956. That’s a long run for a sandwich built on simple, classic ideas.
Ordering it “Mike’s Way” is the move. You get lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, and spices on freshly baked bread.
Cold cut fans should eye the #12 Cancro Special, available in a giant size. Roast beef, provolone, and pepperoni make it a hearty East Coast classic.
The Super Sub and Mike’s Hot Italian also headline the menu. Roast beef and provolone is another dependable choice.
Skipping meat? The #14 Veggie sub and a hot portobello mushroom sub offer vegetarian choices, while vegan diners should ask about suitable modifications.
Portions are generous, with plenty of meat and cheese. Bring an appetite or plan on a second meal later.
This shop sits on Gunbarrel Road near the Hamilton Place area of Chattanooga. Free parking makes a quick lunch stop easy.
Dogs are welcome outside, and curbside pickup is available. Free Wi-Fi helps if you need to answer emails between bites.
Doors open at 10 AM daily and close at 9 PM. Sundays run busy most of the day, so Saturday mornings are the calmer window.
Address: 2260 Gunbarrel Rd #205, Chattanooga, TN 37421
6. Firehouse Subs Northwest Plaza, Knoxville, TN
Spice seekers, this one’s for you. Firehouse Subs pairs made-to-order hot and cold subs with a variety of hot sauces.
That sauce selection turns a simple sandwich into a mini adventure. Go gentle or go bold, depending on how brave you feel.
Every sub here is built to order, so you get exactly what you asked for. Hot subs arrive steamy, while cold ones keep things crisp and classic.
Portions run generous at this Northwest Plaza shop. You’ll likely leave fuller than you planned.
The team keeps the room clean and orders accurate. Service moves quickly, which matters when your lunch break is short.
Families will find high chairs and a kids’ menu. Little sandwich critics deserve options too.
Curbside pickup and delivery are both available. That’s great news on a rainy East Tennessee afternoon.
Timing helps here. Weekday afternoons tend to be the busiest stretch, while Saturday and Sunday mornings are quieter.
Hours run from 10 AM to 9 PM every day. Free parking in the lot keeps the stop simple.
Catering is on the table for bigger gatherings. A tray of subs can rescue an office meeting or a game-day get-together.
It sits on Western Avenue in northwest Knoxville, easy to reach from nearby neighborhoods. Bring a friend who claims they can handle the hottest sauce, then see what happens.
Address: 4419 Western Ave #101, Knoxville, TN 37921
7. Potbelly, Nashville, TN
Retro charm and toasted bread make a surprisingly great team. Potbelly is a retro-style counter-serve chain known for made-to-order toasted sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.
In a music city like Nashville, it fits that live music is one of its highlights. Lunch with a soundtrack sounds pretty nice.
The turkey and Swiss is a fan favorite, and you can load it with plenty of toppings. The Chicken Club is another menu highlight worth a look.
Soup lovers can grab Broccoli Cheddar on the side. A wide variety of soups and potato chips gives you options beyond the sandwich.
Got a sweet tooth? The Vanilla Shake and Toffee Butter Brickle Cookie make a strong closing act.
Gold Peak Green Tea is on the menu for something lighter. Vegetarians can lean on a full vegetarian menu.
This shop sits on 11th Avenue South, close to the busy Gulch area. Outdoor seating lets you people-watch while you eat.
Parking is available in nearby paid garages and lots, so check parking rates before visiting. That flexibility helps in a part of town where parking can get tricky.
Hours are 11 AM to 7 PM on weekdays. Weekends close a little earlier, at 6 PM.
Staff keep the room clean and inviting. Prices stay reasonable, which makes it an easy pick for a quick downtown lunch.
Address: 220 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
8. Schlotzsky’s Deli, Murfreesboro, TN
Round sourdough bread is the calling card at Schlotzsky’s. It’s fresh-baked, it’s a little tangy, and it holds up to a serious stack of fillings.
The Original sandwich is the reason many fans show up. It has been a staple since the brand began.
Here’s what goes inside. Lean smoked ham and Genoa salami meet melted cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Black olives, signature sauce, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and yellow mustard finish the job. It’s a lot of sandwich, in the best way.
Not an olive person? The Turkey Bacon Club, Avocado Turkey, and Smoked Turkey Breast sandwiches offer other paths.
A Pastrami Reuben brings the deli-counter classic to the sourdough party. The Fresh Veggie Sandwich keeps things meat-free.
Pizza fans get a bonus, because specialty pizzas share the menu. Salads round things out for lighter appetites.
This Veterans Parkway shop has a drive-through, which feels like a gift on busy days. Outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi are available too.
Early risers can stop in, since doors open at 9 AM daily. Breakfast is on the dining options list here.
Hours stretch until 10 PM, so late dinners work too. Friday evenings are the busiest time, while weeknights are calmer.
Murfreesboro has plenty of quick-lunch choices. Few of them come on bread this memorable.
Address: 4433 Veterans Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
9. Which Wich, Franklin, TN
Indecisive eaters, meet your match, or maybe your greatest challenge. Which Wich is built around design-your-own sandwiches with varied bread options and a long list of toppings.
You make the calls, from bread to fillings to extras. It’s a little like being the head chef without doing the dishes.
Sandwiches come nicely toasted, and the vegetables taste very fresh. That combo makes the custom approach really pay off.
Need a starting point? The buffalo chicken sandwich is a popular pick, and it pairs well with fries.
Meatball and Reuben sandwiches also earn praise. Both prove that build-your-own doesn’t mean skipping the classics.
Wraps and salads round out the menu for lighter days. A full vegetarian menu means plant-based eaters have real choices.
Dessert is where things get sneaky. Fresh-baked cookies and milkshakes make a strong case for one more stop at the counter.
The ordering system moves fast, and the shop stays clean. Friendly staff keep the line rolling.
It sits on Cool Springs Boulevard in Franklin, a busy shopping corridor in Middle Tennessee. Free parking and outdoor seating make it easy to drop in.
Hours run from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday brings an 11 AM start and a 6 PM close.
So go ahead and build something wild. The only real mistake is ordering the same thing twice.
Address: 539 Cool Springs Blvd Ste 100, Franklin, TN 37067