Latest visit: Jan 2026
First visit: Jul 1977
I recently spoke of traveling by the methodology of "Planned Randomness". Within that framework there are occasional destination spots. Highland Super Submarine Sandwich Shop was one such place. I wanted to be there by lunch, so that was another reason I selected Tupelo over Oxford while in Mississippi.
That first visit is not a typo. And I have a story to go with it. It was one I wanted to tell back in 2015, my other visit, but for whatever reason I could not get the energy to document that trip. So I'm taking care of that now.
I often talk about my dad in these pages because I grew up traveling with him on business. He was the old fashioned "traveling salesman". He'd pop in the car on Sunday night or Monday morning, and work his territory through the week and come home on Thursday night or Friday afternoon. Almost every week, except for when he worked the DFW area. During the summers, while out of school, I would join him (until I had to go to work in 1981). Before 1977, I was too young to go without my mom present. So the trips were limited, as she wasn't always keen to go. I was all of 12 the summer of '77, so my parents deemed me "old enough" to just hang out with Dad. What a trip. Literally. Dad's idea of travelling meant that after he had finished visiting his customers, we'd go to the motel (yes, with an "m"), he'd have a cocktail (and I'd run over with a quarter to the Coke machine), then we'd walk to the local coffee shop for dinner (think Denny's). Then we'd go back to the hotel room, watch TV, and he'd get bombed. I'd play with some game (or make up a game on the fly), while on the dirty carpet, and ultimately go to sleep. Good times. Dad would usually wake up early and head back to the same coffee shop and grab a big breakfast while I was still sleeping. He'd bring me back an orange juice and a donut usually. Back then, I wasn't excited about breakfast, or eating early, and always wanted lunch. Much to his chagrin. For me that usually meant some roadside stop and get a hot dog (think Stuckey's). Yea, even Kennedy isn't going to get the Food Pyramid to fit that diet.
So it was very rare that he'd actually want to eat at a specific venue. He hyped up this sandwich shop in Memphis that we were to have for dinner. Told me I would love it. I didn't even know the name of the establishment until researching many years later. He just called it a "Dave Philo Sandwich". Who the heck is Dave Philo? Turns out he was a former peer of my father's! Used to sell industrial uniforms before getting into the sandwich business. Dad was right, I really did enjoy devouring the sandwich in the hotel room, with some chips and a Coke. Then he'd get bombed and go to bed. I'd play a game. I didn't mind honestly, what else was I going to do back home anyway? Other than play baseball in the 100+ degree heat back in Dallas.
Today, strange for me of course, they call it the Chinese Sub Shop. Named such because the current owner is Chinese, and until recently, served Chinese food too (like Fried Rice). Based on what I've read, the original chain of restaurants went bankrupt in the 80s. This location survived thanks to the current owners. It does appear they maintained the original recipes.
What makes the sandwich so good is the bread. Lightly toasted and very flavorful. I heard a few customers ask for extra meat, and after having the sandwich (The Super Sub), I know why. I could have used a lot more meat (see photo). So know before you go. Also know they only take cash. The price was relatively low, so I can appreciate that at least.
They've moved since our last visit in 2015. The current location looks like an old fast food fish place, or something similar. Perfect divey spot in a dicey neighborhood. Right next to some thrift shops too. :-) I can guess that Highland Super Submarine Sandwich will close in the near future. The owners appear ready to retire. I doubt a buyer will emerge, and into Memphis - and RJG - history the restaurant will go.
7//77; 7/11/15; 1/9/26 (new entry)
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