Opened earlier this year in Audubon NJ, today I made my way over to Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies on Merchant Street to try their delicious ribeye cheesesteak… and to learn all about the still new sandwich shop (and more!) that I regularly see praised on local foodie groups such as South Jersey Food Scene.
I caught up with Champs husband and wife team Nick and Heather, who combined culinary talents with their love for the Philadelphia Eagles to create the new sandwich hotspot that carries a 4.9 rating on Google reviews.
Located amidst a block-long smalltown section of shops and restaurants in Audubon… The Philadelphia Eagles inspired eatery is scoring touchdowns with their cheesesteaks, hoagies, chicken parm, burgers, wings, chicken sandwiches, ¼ pound hot dogs and more!
Inside the restaurant, the walls carry a familiar dark green color with a contrasting white on the front of the counter. There is no denying you are in Eagles Country!
A variety of Eagles player photos and memorabilia are placed throughout the restaurant, and the television is always playing Eagles game highlights.. when their isn’t a live game on, of course.
There are two dining tables situated in the all-glass front alcove, and an eye-catching large football field has been painted on the long wall next to the side wall counter area… although featured in the endzone is the Champs logo!
Champs definitely scored a touchdown with my lunchtime cheesesteak which was 10 ounces of ribeye, Cooper sharp cheese and light fried onions on a seeded roll.
They also offer options for a larger 16 oz cheese steak, seedless rolls… And I heard rumors of a secret menu which offers a massive 24 oz cheese steak!
Serving premium rib eye wasn’t enough for Nick as he will only buy directly from a butcher (as opposed to a food wholesaler)… allowing Nick to establish a relationship with his supplier to ensure that he only gets the best quality meat.
Nick then marinates the ribeye steak in a house special recipe to give your cheesesteak a little extra boost… just like the Eagle’s “Tush Push”.
My cheesesteak was prepared with a light chop that allows the cheese and onions to melt throughout the steak… and it made for a delicious sandwich where each bite had the full array of flavors. My lunch special of cheesesteak, drink (soda can or water) and chips was $13.95.
Champs Cheesteaks and Hoagies is located in a quaint and walkable section of Audubon on Merchant Street, which features several restaurants, the Brown Dog Cafe, and the Red, White and Brew brewery.
Fitting that theme nice smalltown experience… on Friday October 18th there will be a block party which offers beer, music, local eateries, food trucks, artists, crafters… fun for everyone! (Facebook Event)
Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies
Nick and Heather live minutes away in Barrington NJ… and like the Eagles most recent Super Bowl season they feel it was “divine intervention” that brought them to this Audubon location.
After many years in the restaurant industry Nick had found himself working in a corporate job again last year, and enduring one too many “Personal Fouls” on corporate environment playing field, he took a leap of faith last December and decided he wanted to not only get back into the restaurant business… but to be his own boss!
Very quickly Nick and Heather found the Audubon location just driving home one night… heading down Merchant Street and seeing a “For Rent” sign on a shop window (which was previously home to BurgerTime)
While inside the kitchen equipment was no longer in place… the very important overhead “hood” was still there, which is a huge savings in time and money for a new restaurant because those installations are typically very much scrutinized during the construction and inspection process.
They signed on for the location and in less than two months we’re ready to open Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies.
With “Hoagies” in the name, well as you would expect Champs also makes an amazing Philly style hoagie.
The surprising thing though is Nick says the second best seller (after the cheesesteaks) is his wife’s chicken parm sandwiches, which is a family recipe that she learned from Nick’s Grandmother.
Also on the menu are the quarter pound hot dogs… a size that most people really only see when going to an Eagles Game at “The Linc”.
And if you are missing the prior tenant of the space, Champs also makes a really delicious burger.
Before I headed out Nick ask if I want to try their Mac and cheese… which is a special blend of cheeses that they melted perfect.. a smooth consistency where you can still see the swirling blend of orange and white cheeses coming together. Delicious!
Champs offers discounts to First Responders and and Military, and they also have a discount deal with the Red, White and Brew brewery. If you place an order while sitting in the brewery, the Chams team will walk it over to you.
Links and Locations
Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies
123 Merchant Street
Audubon NJ 08106
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11:30am to 10pm
- Sat: 11am to 10pm
- Sun: 12pm to 8pm