As part of the #ShopLocalChallenge, myself, Beth and Dave have committed to spending our money only at locally-owned, small businesses in the Utica-Rome area for the next 30 days. It's leading me to make choices in terms of my spending that in return will help our neighbors.

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For over 40 years, Mello's Subs has been a staple in the Utica. When I first moved back to the area, I tried going there for lunch only to realize that they take cash only. So I left, because I didn't have cash, and went someplace else. After realizing I had cash today, I immediately knew what I wanted.

Credit: Mello's Subs via Facebook
Credit: Mello's Subs via Facebook
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I've seen photos from the outside and inside of Mello's before, and to my surprise it looked like they have recently renovated. Previously, customers are greeted to the store front by a giant sign that says "Mello's Subs -The Original-" with a giant sandwich. Today, the store front looked a little bit different from what we have seen before.

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It looks like Mello's is going along with the general "on the block" look - using a green fabric canopy with a newly designed logo. They also made some changes to the inside.

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Keeping the same original menu board and the iconic New York sports memorabilia, it looks like they made an upgrade to the counter space as well.

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Regardless, it was a great lunch - made by a business locally owned and operated. I ordered a turkey, ham and roast beef sub that was delicious. The guys there made fun of me for ordering the combination of meats, but it's my favorite.


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Kaylin’s first #shoplocalchallenge purchase - lunch from Mello’s Subs! 📍242 Genessee St, Utica

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Remember, the #ShopLocalChallenge is going on until the end of June. There will be t-shirts for the top 30 participants, and even a grand prize for one lucky shopper.

Here's what you need to do to take part:

  • SHOP LOCAL whenever you can
  • When you do, share a picture of your purchased item (or items) on Instagram (or email us/Facebook message us the picture), and tag the business, @lite987, and use the hashtag #ShopLocalChallenge.


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