Champs Cheesesteaks And Hoagies in Audubon scores big touchdowns

Opened earlier this year in Audubon, New Jersey, today I headed to Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies on Merchant Street to try their delicious ribeye cheesesteak… and to hear all about the still-new sandwich shop (and more!), which is regularly praised by local foodie groups like South Jersey Food Scene.

I caught up with Champs couple Nick and Heather, who combined culinary talents with their love of the Philadelphia Eagles to create the new sandwich hotspot, which has a 4.9 rating on Google reviews.

Located in the middle of a block-long town of shops and restaurants in Audubon, the Philadelphia Eagles-inspired restaurant boasts cheesesteaks, hoagies, chicken parmesan, burgers, wings, chicken sandwiches, quarter-pound hot dogs and more!

Inside the restaurant, the walls are a familiar dark green shade, with a contrasting white at the front of the counter. There’s no denying you’re in Eagles Country!

There are numerous photos and memorabilia of the Eagles players throughout the restaurant, and the television always shows highlights of the Eagles game – when there isn’t a live game on, of course.

There are two dining tables in the all-glass alcove at the front, and an eye-catching large football field has been painted on the long wall next to the counter area on the side wall…although you can see the Champs logo in the end zone!

Champs definitely scored a touchdown with my lunchtime cheesesteak, which consisted of 10 ounces of ribeye steak, sharp Cooper cheese, and light fried onions on a seeded bun.

They also offer options for a larger 16oz cheesesteak, seedless rolls… And I’ve heard rumors of a secret menu offering a huge 24oz cheesesteak!

Serving premium rib eye wasn’t enough for Nick, as he only buys directly from a butcher (as opposed to a grocery wholesaler). This allowed Nick to build a relationship with his supplier to ensure he only received the best quality meat.

Nick then marinates the ribeye steak using a special house recipe to give your cheesesteak that special something… just like the Eagle’s “tush push.”

My cheesesteak was made with a light chop that allowed the cheese and onions to melt throughout the steak…and it made a delicious sandwich that packed full flavor into every bite. My lunch special of cheesesteak, drink (soda can or water) and fries was $13.95.

Champs Cheesteaks and Hoagies is located in a quaint and walkable part of Audubon on Merchant Street, where there are several restaurants, the Brown Dog Cafe and the Red, White and Brew brewery.

In keeping with this theme, there’s a lovely small town experience…on Friday, October 18th there will be a block party featuring beer, music, local restaurants, food trucks, artists, crafters…fun for everyone! (Facebook event)

Champs cheesesteaks and hoagies

Nick and Heather live just minutes away in Barrington, New Jersey… and like the Eagles last Super Bowl season, they feel like it was “divine intervention” that brought them to this spot in Audubon.

After working in the restaurant industry for many years, Nick was back in business last year and suffered one too many “personal fouls” on the corporate playing field. Last December, he took a leap of faith and decided he wanted to not only get back into the restaurant industry… but to be his own boss!

Very quickly, Nick and Heather found the Audubon location as they were driving home one evening…when they were walking down Merchant Street and saw a “For Rent” sign in a storefront window (which was previously home to BurgerTime).

While the kitchen’s appliances were no longer present, the all-important “exhaust hood” was still in place, a huge time and money saving for a new restaurant as these installations are usually closely scrutinized during the construction and inspection process become.

They have signed up for the location and in less than two months we will be ready to open Champs Cheesesteaks and Hoagies.

With “Hoagies” in the name, Champs also, as expected, makes an amazing Philly-style hoagie.

The surprising thing, though, is that Nick says the second best seller (after the cheesesteaks) is his wife’s chicken parmesan sandwiches, a family recipe she learned from her grandfather.

Also on the menu are the quarter-pound hot dogs…a size that most people only really see when they go to an Eagles game at The Linc.

And if you don’t have a previous tenant, Champs also offers a really tasty burger.

Before I headed out, Nick asked me if I wanted to try their mac and cheese…which is a special blend of cheese that’s melted to perfection. A smooth consistency where you can still see the swirling mixture of orange and white cheese coming together. Yummy!

Champs offers discounts for first responders and military personnel, as well as a discount agreement with Red, White and Brew Brewery. If you place an order while sitting in the brewery, the Chams team will forward it to you.

Links and locations

Champs cheesesteaks and hoagies
123 Merchant Street
Audubon NJ 08106

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Hours:

• Mon-Thurs: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m
• Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m
• Sun: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m