Imagine thinly sliced tender Italian beef, seasoned to perfection, piled high on Turano French bread and then topped with mozzarella cheese. Diners can dip it in au jus or top it with hot Giardiniera or toppings of their choice. The Italian “Beasty” Beef sandwich is only one of the many authentic Chicago-style sandwiches CJ’s of Fayetteville offers, with more specialties soon to be added.

“We want to wow people with our sandwiches,” said Jeanine Marlin, owner, with her husband, Charles. Jeanine moved to this area from Illinois in 2021 to be closer to her sons and family. Her grown sons are Brian, AJ, Trenton and Chase.

Together, the couple worked hard to open CJ’s of Fayetteville in time for their soft opening on April 25. The restaurant is located in the former Our Place Diner in Park City. “My husband works tirelessly. … It’s been a labor of love and was quite the challenge. We did a lot of deep cleaning and replacing equipment,” Marlin said.

For nearly 40 years on and off, Marlin said she worked in the food service industry including restaurant chains such as Fridays and Cracker Barrel. She believes in quality and consistency. “Presentation is everything. I’m very hands on in the kitchen,” she said. “I grew up eating Italian style food … my mom and grandma were great cooks,” she said. Marlin cooks the old-fashioned way, using butter and real ingredients, not margarine or oils, except for frying French fries and onion rings. She said she tries to not duplicate what other restaurants serve.

“We strive to make things the best we can — fresh and hot,” Marlin said. Some of the sandwiches on the menu have been named for her family’s favorites.

For example, the Moohomee Gyro, was named for AJ’s favorite. The Mash Combo is named for Chase’s favorite sandwich, a combination of Italian beef and Italian sausage served on a Turano French bread loaf, with a side of au jus. “People love them,” Marlin said. Other selections include the Italian sausage sandwich, Reuben on rye, club sandwich, Monte Cristo and more. Also on the menu are hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and kids’ meals.

The colors they chose for the inside of the restaurant are representative of the Chicago Black Hawks, she said. Blue chairs represent the Chicago Cubs. “The plan is to get all sports team memorabilia,” Marlin said. Another wall will be dedicated to a Chicago history wall with photos of Chicago through the years.

Future plans include cruisein nights with classic cars and possibly Bike Nights on weekdays. To view CJ’s menu or order, go to https://www.cjsfayetteville. com. To order ahead for pick up or delivery, call 931-339-7665. Their hours are 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. seven days per week.

CJs offers delivery from the state line to the Fayetteville square or to Copperweld. Delivery fees vary, with a maximum fee of $12 for trips between five to 10 miles.