Mike and Emma’s Sandwich Shop originated in 1931 in the town of Chester, Pennsylvania. Originally known as Mike’s Sandwich Shop, it was the vision/creation of Michael Iacono, an immigrant from the island of Ischia (off the coast of Naples, Italy). A barber by trade, Mike originally operated a barber shop at 1208 W. Third Street in Chester, PA(the future sight of the sandwich shop). In 1929, when the great depression hit, barbers too were not spared its ill effects. In his spare time, he and his friends would sit around in the back of the shop and play cards. When hunger set in, they would send someone to the market next door – DeCostanza’s. Their request was for some lunchmeat on a long roll and so, the origin of the hoagie. Mike foreseeing greater success in a sandwich shop business, converted his barber shop into Mike’s Sandwich Shop. It became the original home to the now famous hot and cold sandwiches. Groceries, milk, bread, ice cream, coffee, sodas, tastykakes, cigarettes and cigars, etc were also sold there. Pinball machines ….also there. Among the signs hanging on the walls were: If your wife can’t cook don’t divorce her. Eat Mike’s Sandwiches and keep her for a pet. Rent is High. Business is Slow. Ask for Credit and Out you Go. We Can’t Please Everyone But We Try.
Mike’s Sandwich Shop operated in Chester until 1967. In July of that year it opened at its present day location. With the move, Mike added his wife’s name to the business and thus the name “Mike and Emma’s”. To this day the business continues to be family owned and operated – 4 generations strong. The standards, quality and values instilled by the founder continue to this day. It remains an icon of the Delaware county business district.
