From Miami Subs To Miami Grill: An Orlando Love Letter

It was the summer, the summer of ‘69. No wait, that’s a song. It was the summer of ‘90, and I was ready to make some memories in a place where pink and blue neon met palm trees and spice, fresh foods and crinkle fries. Of course, I’m talking about the one and only Miami Subs. For anyone who grew up in Florida during that era, Miami Subs wasn’t just a place to grab a quick bite—it was an experience, a destination, a beloved part of the community fabric that offered a little slice of South Beach flair right in our own neighborhoods.

Miami Subs had it all; a fresh, fun exterior, a cool interior with a tropical twist and a ball pit inside the restaurant, teeming with unknown treasures and a myriad of potential hazardous materials one can only think about now as an adult. But as a child, this place was magic personified. The vivid colors, the laid-back vibe and the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled subs created an environment that was as much a playground as it was a dining destination.

Miami Grill’s vivid colors have carried through from its predecessor, Miami Subs. The grill’s fun interior still has that tropical twist that brings a South Beach vibe northward.

This particular location was so close we could walk to it, though there were spots all over Central Florida at the time. Each visit was an event. We’d carefully order our standards: me with a turkey sub and fries, Mom with a Caesar side salad. The act of choosing my meal felt momentous, like I was curating a personal experience. I’d plop myself onto one of the stools inside the restaurant, marvel at my meal and savor every bite. I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this meal as a kid; it’s a core memory for me and my taste buds. The crispy fries, perfectly seasoned, paired with a sub that hit all the right notes—it was, in my young eyes, the pinnacle of culinary delight.

As I’d finish up the last of my fries, my attention would inevitably turn to the ball pit. Oh, the prizes I found in that ball pit. It was a treasure trove of forgotten toys, small trinkets and the occasional fast-food surprise. One particularly memorable find was a “The Lion King” Nala bracelet, a small item that felt like a grand prize in the imagination of a child. But I digress.

Miami Grill is a glorious update on the childhood restaurant of our dreams, with plenty of neon and crinkly fries to boot.

As I grew older, Miami Subs was never far from my mind—or my stomach. The restaurant evolved into a sort of comfort food sanctuary for me. During my college years, it was the go-to spot for late-night cravings after a long study session. And when I was pregnant with my oldest, I spent many an evening in the Miami Subs drive-thru in Longwood, indulging in the familiar tastes that had become synonymous with home.

But eventually, all our Miami Subs locations closed, and a local favorite was no more. It felt like the end of an era, the closing of a chapter that was filled with neon-lit memories and crinkle fries. The disappearance of Miami Subs left a void in the culinary landscape of Central Florida and in the hearts of those who had grown up with it. It was as if a piece of our collective childhood had been taken away.

Or so we thought.

A few years ago, I was driving down a familiar road when I saw a sign that looked oddly familiar. “I know that sign,” I thought. But something was different. It didn’t look quite right—like the Berenstain Bears spelling controversy or the Fruit of the Loom cornucopia that never existed, something was slightly off. It was Miami Grill, but it LOOKED like Miami Subs.

Intrigued, I pulled over and walked inside. The moment I stepped through the doors, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The vibe, the menu, the colors—everything felt like a modern-day homage to the Miami Subs I remembered. As it turns out, Miami Grill is the evolution of that beloved restaurant from my childhood.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with members of the executive team at Miami Grill, who shared how the brand has grown and evolved over the years while maintaining the essence of what made Miami Subs so special.

“Miami Grill started as a small sandwich shop back in the late 1980s,” Evan Friedman, executive vice president of Miami Grill, explained, “but over the years, we’ve expanded our menu to include a wide variety of items, from our signature Philly cheesesteaks to gyros, wings and more. We’ve also embraced technology, with online ordering and delivery becoming a big part of our business.”

The Orlando market, with its diverse population, has embraced Miami Grill wholeheartedly. “Orlando has been a fantastic market for us. The diversity here aligns perfectly with our menu offerings,” Friedman said. “We’ve seen great growth and are planning to open more locations in the coming years to meet the demand. We’re really excited about the future.”

Miami Grill’s vivid colors have carried through from its predecessor, Miami Subs. The grill’s fun interior still has that tropical twist that brings a South Beach vibe northward.

But what truly sets Miami Grill apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. “Our menu items are made with the freshest ingredients, and we stick to our Miami roots in everything we do,” COO Jonathan Vogel shared. “Whether it’s the flavors, the vibe, or the customer service, we aim to bring that Miami experience to all of our locations.”

For those of us who remember the original Miami Subs with fondness, the evolution into Miami Grill feels like a homecoming. It’s a blend of nostalgia and modernity, capturing the essence of what made Miami Subs special while bringing it into the 21st century. The pink and blue neon may have softened, and the ball pits may be a thing of the past, but the spirit of Miami Subs lives on in every bite at Miami Grill.

As I reflect on my journey with this brand—from childhood indulgence to late-night cravings as an adult—I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude. Miami Grill isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a connection to the past, a reminder of simpler times and a delicious promise for the future.

So next time you’re craving something fresh, know that Miami Grill has you covered. Through January 12, readers can take advantage of a special offer by using promo code orlandomag10 to get 10% off when ordering online or through the Miami Grill app.

Visit Miami Grill locations in Kissimmee, on Orange Blossom Trail and coming soon to south Semoran Blvd. mymiamigrill.com/location