In Tucson, everybody has an Eegee’s memory.

For me there were the scorching summer afternoons waiting in the drive-through for a Styrofoam cup of watermelon ice. Sharing a tub of ranch fries with a close friend, attempting not to consume all of them myself. And on the flipside, having a difficult day and halting in the parking lot to cry, and then driving away devoid of even ordering everything.

In The Old Pueblo there’s always an Eegee’s about to decide on you up. The sandwich chain is in practically every single community at this level, with more than 25 places scattered in the course of Arizona’s 2nd major town. Over the earlier 50 years this locally started manufacturer has develop into synonymous with Tucson, a image of the city’s vintage treasures and its raging heat. To criticize Eegee’s is to criticize Tucson alone.

At the threat of remaining labeled a traitor to my previous home, where I lived for 15 a long time, I am here now to criticize Eegee’s.

As the chain begins its 2021 expansion into Gilbert with five total locations across the Valley, I really feel the have to have to notify my Phoenix neighbors the fact: Eegee’s is not normally value the hoopla. Much of the chain’s allure is based mostly on savvy social media marketing and advertising and nostalgia for the experience — and most absolutely not on the sub sandwiches or quickly-meals salads that make up the menu.

Let’s be actual: Eegee’s charm is