MOSCOW — The staff at the new Jersey Mike’s Subs in Moscow invited their family and friends, the mayor and others to the sandwich spot Tuesday for one final test run before it opens today at the Palouse Mall.

A crowd of people gathered for free sandwiches prepared and served by a dozen new employees during the special event.

Cooper Rodgers, who owns the restaurant with his wife Alanah Dutka, said the shop employs a total of 30 people.

“This town is so amazing,” he told the crowd. “These people are incredible.”

While the sandwiches were free, people were encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish Idaho, which partnered with the restaurant chain for Tuesday’s event.

Other Palouse Mall employees were invited to enjoy the free sandwiches Tuesday, in addition to the workers who built the store.

Moscow Mayor Art Bettge was asked to be the restaurant’s first customer, and they served him up their chipotle sandwich.

Jersey Mike’s started in 1956 in Point Pleasant, N.J. According to the shop’s website, the next closest Jersey Mike’s location is in Spokane.

The restaurant will open at 10 a.m. today. Rodgers expressed his excitement to be part of the Palouse community.

“One reason I’m so happy to be here is everything we try to do to give back to the community, to serve our customers just a little bit extra than you might be used (to), this is the exact type of town, the type of people that I think are really going to appreciate it,” he said.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.