Em’s Original Sub Shop was opened in 1952 by Emma and Pete Spinelli.

The story goes, when Em’s opened, a gang of boys would come to the lunch counter, buy a soda, and eat packed lunches they brought from home. This gave Pete and Emma the idea to make and sell sandwiches at the store.

Pete began buying 12-inch Italian buns from the nearby Ferndale Bakery, and Emma added their own special sliced deli meat, cheese, fresh vegetables, and to top it off, she developed a special dressing. And so the Em’s Submarine Sandwich was born.

It quickly became a Johnstown favorite and kept Pete and Emma going strong. The shop has since expanded into five locations. They offer freshly made subs, wraps, baked goods, and many other tasty options. See their website for a full menu.