Rammy’s Subs!

Welcome to Rammy’s Sub-Contractors in Wheeling and Elk Grove and Rammy’s Sub & Pub in DeKalb, Illinois! Rammy’s  specializes in 8-inch oven-baked subs. Our menu features cold salads, awesome shakes and desserts. Our famous sub catering is also available.

Northern Star’s videographer Mike Marten goes to Rammy’s Sub & Pub to learn the history behind this DeKalb establishment and how to make their famous Italian Beef.

Read About Us In the

Owner of Rammy’s Sub & Pub remodels
to attract new customers

03/18/2010
By Kim Skibinski

Mike “Rammy” Hrametz never dreamt he would be where he is today.

Although he worked construction through high school, the now three-time business owner first thought to open a restaurant to satisfy his passion for cooking. Franchising, however, was not an option.

“I first thought to franchise,” Hrametz said. “I went to [different sandwich shops] and looked at the service and decor, but nothing made me want to come back. So then I thought, ‘What about a construction-themed sandwich shop?’”

And with that, the first Rammy’s Sub Contractors was born.

“I started with a small store in Wheeling,” Hrametz said. “It was 500 square feet and had five stools.”

With an emphasis on food instead of ambiance, Rammy’s became a big hit.

“I had no idea what I was doing,” Hrametz said. “In a couple of days, there were lines out the door. For three hours a day, you couldn’t get near the joint.”

Within its first year, Hrametz paid off his first store and opened a second in Elk Grove.

“It just spiraled from there,” Hrametz said. “In the first year, I surpassed my dream.”

Most recently, Hrametz bought the DeKalb Rammy’s, 870 W. Lincoln Highway, remodeled it and renamed it to Rammy’s Sub & Pub.

“My father and I did most of the work ourselves,” Hrametz said. “I wanted to bump it up a couple of notches. Plus, I’d like to attract the local community.”

Although Hrametz is near his goal for the DeKalb store, he has met one major hurdle thus far. “I don’t know how to market college students,” Hrametz said. “I’m trying to be unique.”

As for future ambitions, Hrametz has an idea in mind: outdoor expansion.

“I would love to go to the city and ask for outdoor seating,” Hrametz said.

His overall goal, however, is to rise to the top.

“My main goal is to be the number one sandwich shop on campus,” Hrametz said.