Gabriel's Hoagies to open restaurant in Saline
Fifty-two years after Gabriel’s Hoagies began serving its classic cheese steak hoagie in Ypsilanti Township, the restaurant plans to open a new location in Saline.
The owners signed a deal to open a 1,500-square-foot restaurant in The Oaks shopping center, located at 972 E. Michigan Ave. between Industrial Drive and North Maple Road. It's the company's third restaurant.
Gabriel's Hoagies opened in Ypsilanti Township in 1959. A location is set to open in Saline early next year.
AnnArbor.com file photo
A cheese steak hoagie from Gabriel's Hoagies with peppers, onions and extra cheese.
AnnArbor.com file photo
The goal is to open by the end of January, said co-owner Donnie Ballard.
“We’re getting ready to build-out the space,” Ballard said. “We will make it look just like the original.” The space was listed with Bela Sipos of Reinhart Commercial. Retail spaces in the The Oaks complex are priced for an annual $8 to $12 per square foot.
The first Gabriel’s Hoagies opened in Ypsilanti Township in 1959. The small, freestanding building has only a few tables and a simple menu, but the restaurant has remained a staple in the area.
Known for its cheese steak hoagie, Gabriel’s also serves a steak hoagie, a lunchmeat special, ham & cheese and two salads.
In 2007, the owners opened a second location in a strip mall in Westland.
Ballard said they decided to open a third location in Saline because the location made sense geographically and he felt there was a demand from Saline residents.
“In Westland we went about 15 miles east of the original, and now we’re going west to Saline,” he said.
“And I believe that we have a lot of customers in Saline that drive out to the Ypsilanti location,” he continued.
Sipos of Reinhart said the restaurant is a great fit for the 53,000-square-foot shopping center. Other tenants include the Dollar Tree and Powerhouse Gym.
“Their other locations are wildly popular,” Sipos said. “And there’s really nothing else like this available in Saline, so I think it’s a great match for them and us.”
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.
Comments
Robert D. Mosley
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 : 4:16 a.m.
After looking at the picture, I will definitely have to go get one of those hoagies when I come to Ann Arbor to see my niece. I love these articles that keep me up on what businesses (especially restaurants) at my old alma mater!
Tag
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
Absolutely the best news of the day. With many other businesses closing up shop it's great to learn of the expansion of one of the greatest hole in the way places evar! Personally, I've been enjoying their steak hoagies since before I was born and I'm excited about their expansion. Food, from time to time, should be consumed and enjoyed regardless of the nutritional facts of the meal. Support local!
AACity12
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 10 p.m.
How about a downtown AA location? Somewhere on campus?
Lovaduck
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
Since I moved from Ypsi in the early 2000's, one of the things i really miss is Gabriel's and their wonderful cheesesteaks with peppers. And this comment is from one who was raised around Philadelphia with THEIR excellent cheesesteaks! Glad to see some things haven't changed--GOOD things, like Gabriel's and the Sidetrack!
Seriously??
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
Finally some good news!!! Now my old man can go work out at Power House and bring me home a hoagie! No excuses hahaha
pegret
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
Wonderful! I just wish they would go even further west and open one toward Dexter. Love Gabriel's!
Ron Granger
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
This story hits me where it hurts - now I need a cheese steak ASAP! "Hello, Izzy's? Get those peppers ready..."
treetowncartel
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
This stuff is comfort food at its finest. The pepper sauce makes the sandwich. Enjoy people of Saline and surrounding community.
Trouble
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:39 p.m.
Donnie and the Gang have kept up the Gabriel Tradition of quality food for a good price. They serve Albert's original recipes and take care of their customer. Only the best will come to Saline. Congrats!
jns131
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
I just saw on Michigan ave a new hamburger place near the ice rink open up. Boy were they crowded. I have never frequented Gab's and have lived here a long time. Guess it is time to make a trip out to his restaurant and to that new one on Michigan. Good luck on the new digs in Saline.
Hammer
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:03 p.m.
mmmmmmm. love Gabriels cheesesteak with mushrooms and peppers.
Hmm
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
Gabriel's is GOOD. So awesome now I won't have to drive all the way to the other side of Ypsi to get a good cheesesteak!
Alex Brown
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
Competition for Mancino's! I will have a very hard time choosing shich one to get.
Thinking over here
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
YAY Gabs!!! Been going there since they opened the original!! YUM!!!!!!!!
Diane
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:47 p.m.
Yeah, we need a good hoagie place !!!!
Freddy Rosenthal
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
Congratulations Gabriel's on your success and expansion. When my daughter was born two years ago, my first outside-the-hospital-meal was your cheese steak. The staff was friendly and noticed my baby bracelet. The cheese steak was so good, after I finished the first one, I got back in line and got a second. Best wishes for your Saline location.
jondhall
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 12:30 p.m.
When you are good at something you do need many varieties, that is the case for Gabriels..best cheese steak ever unless you have been to Capreattis' in Las Vegas......... they bake their own bread.... Welcome to my HOME TOWN!
MichiganPete
Thu, Nov 10, 2011 : 10:37 p.m.
I grew up with Capriotti's back East (before they expanded to Vegas). If Gabriel's is anything like that, I'll be breaking my diet in no time here in Saline.
Hmm
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
There's a few places in Philly that would beg to differ on your "best cheesesteak" comment lol
sellers
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 12:29 p.m.
Too bad the marketplace+lofts were not built, it would have been nice to see a place like that downtown. Good luck.
jondhall
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
Life is not over yet ! :)
cinnabar7071
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 11:53 a.m.
Best cheese steak ever, peppers mushrooms and cheese.
jns131
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
Subway also has a good one as well. I think they are also healthier then Gab's but who knows. Haven't been to Gab's.
RuralMom
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
Totally Agree Cinnabar! This will be an AWESOME addition to Saline!
toofmullets
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 1:40 p.m.
They're good, but I don't even think they're the best in Ypsi...
Dr. Webster
Wed, Nov 9, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
Can't they build it faster. I'm moving to Saline in a couple of weeks and I'll need those steak and cheese bombers to round out my diet. I hope they deliver so I don't have to leave my lazy boy?