America's most iconic sandwiches - Johnny V's

Food trucks are a concept that have been around since the 1950s, when ice cream vendors began peddling their treats on the streets in warmer climates of the United States. The concept began to take shape in Northwest Arkansas in the 1990s, as vendors began distributing basic snacks at events throughout Washington and Benton counties.

Although the food-truck industry is now flourishing throughout the region, a Chicago native has landed and added a new wrinkle to the old concept.

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The Philly Cheesesteak is Johnny’s V’s most popular sandwich by far, and can be served with onions and peppers. It’s the closest thing you can get to the iconic classic along South Street in Philadelphia.

Gene McWilliams and a few local partners opened Johnny V’s on May 23 in a mobile trailer stationed at 4601 W. Walnut St., in Rogers — just off Interstate 49, Exit 85, in the Conoco gas station parking lot. The 21-foot green trailer with red lettering catches the eye.

“So far, it’s been a good location, right off the interstate,” McWiliams said. “I think people are starting to figure out we are here, and social media has been awesome.

“Our concept is simple. We want to offer all of America’s favorite sandwiches under one roof.”

McWilliams, who has been in the restaurant construction business and a part-time chef for the past 20 years, was looking for a new venture.

During visits to the Ozarks, he met his now business partners, and all agreed that this was the perfect location to open Johnny V’s – America’s Favorite Sandwiches. With Walmart, the world’s largest retailer’s corporate office, bringing in people from all over America to live, work and visit here, Johnny V’s is designed to bring a little piece of home cooking straight to the new masses.

“This area really is a melting pot of people, so we are offering America’s most iconic sandwiches — making them as authentic as we can,” McWilliams said. “Just like eating a Philly Cheesesteak right there on South Street in Philadelphia.”

The cheesesteak has predictably been Johnny V’s best seller since opening day, accounting for about 80 percent of their business. But the menu adds even more big-city versatility.

The classic Pastrami, from the Bronx, New York, is another favorite, as well as the Italian Beef from Chicago and the Primanti Brothers-style sandwich from Pittsburgh.

The bread dough is shipped in from Chicago and baked fresh locally every day. The sandwiches range in price from $7-$10. Fresh cut fries can be added for another $2.

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Owner Gene McWilliams stands in front of the 21-foot Johnny V’s trailer, just o of Interstate 49, Exit 85, in Rogers, located in the Conoco gas station.

The Philly is served on a 10-inch baguette and can come with no cheese, or can have onions, peppers or mushrooms added.

The Italian Beef is served on a 6-inch baguette and has the options of adding mozzarella cheese, hot/sweet peppers and sausage. There is also the option of sausage and peppers only.

The Pittsburgh classic sandwich, also served on a 10-inch baguette, includes capicola, mortadella, salami and provolone, piled high with fresh cut fries, then topped with slaw and fresh tomatoes.

“It is Johnny V’s mission to stay true to the classics, but make them even better,” McWilliams said. “We don’t cut any corners or omit any ingredients.”

They even make their own pastrami from scratch, which is a detailed 21-day process. It is the featured staple for three New York sandwich mainstays served on 10-inch baguettes.

The Johnny includes pastrami, Swiss cheese, slaw and Johnny sauce. The Strami comes topped with mustard and a pickle, while the Pastrubin includes Swiss cheese, kraut, and Johnny sauce.

McWilliams has also created an original signature sandwich for Johnny V’s, named the Sicilian Slammer. It includes capicola, mortadella, salami, fontina, sundried tomato pesto, chopped basil and spinach, and topped with a balsamic glaze.

“That Slammer is really growing in popularity,” McWilliams added with a big grin. “That thing is loaded, and when people try it, they love all of those flavors in one big sandwich.”

Customers can also order an enormous platter of loaded fries, layered with meats and other ingredients of choice, for $7-$8.

Johnny V’s also sells meats by the pound and offers take-out packages for 2, 4, 6 or 8 people. They can cater larger or corporate events, for a minimum of 25-30 people.

Plans are in place to add a truck to Bentonville, and possibly Springdale and Fayetteville in the near future.

“We wanted to start out with this one and see how things went.” McWilliams said. “We already have our second big truck being built right now, and plan to add more if this thing really catches on.”

Johnny V’s is open Monday-Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. For more information or to place an order, call (479) 426-2900 or visit their website at johnnyvsandwiches.com.

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