Community involvement in the wake of a disaster is something that does not go unnoticed or disregarded, even simple acts of human compassion or loyalty. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, Larry’s Giant Subs of Lake Nona is happy to thank the community for their involvement in the aftermath of the storm. Larry’s has been a staple in the Lake Nona community for the past eight years, providing quality sandwiches and pleasant customer service at all times.
During Irma, the power in the store went out on Sunday and by Monday, all the perishable food items were gone, so the store was unable to open again until Thursday when the power came back on. Larry’s Giant Subs owner Jennifier Gardner kept loyal Larry’s customers in the loop about the situation at the store through Facebook and other social media, letting them know when they would be reopening and what sandwiches and other menu items would be available.
Even when the store did not have power, Jennifier says that many customers came by the store saying they also did not have power, and they wished they could purchase a sandwich from the store. “I felt so bad. I did not want to say no,” says Jennifier.
On the Friday after Irma, the store reopened with a limited menu that included their meatball sub, turkey, ham, grilled chicken, and tuna salad subs. It took all day for the store to get back to 95% of what they usually have in stock, just because supply trucks were having so much difficulty navigating the hurricane damage and getting back to business.
Jennifier recalls that when the store was fully reopened, customers really showed support and kindness as they returned to purchase their favorite sandwiches, and Jennifier found the whole experience incredibly heartwarming and satisfying. “To see so many of our customers safe and their homes were doing well – it made me so happy to see.” Jennifier and the rest of the staff of Larry’s is incredibly grateful for the kindness of their customers after the storm and as they continue to provide the Nonahood with the delicious sandwiches so many of us know and love.
