Sub shops bet on Super Bowl success

The owners of some local sub and wings shops expect to score even more for the Super Bowl today.

“Last year, we had a really good Super Bowl with sales,” said Don Calway, the owner of Cal’z Pizza, Subs & Chicken Wings, which has eight stores in Norfolk and Virginia Beach. “This year, we anticipate it being a little bit better, no question.” Why? Two East Coast teams are playing, Calway said, so more folks in Hampton Roads will be tuned in tonight.

At Mister Jim’s in Chesapeake, “based on the pre-ordering that we have going on currently, I would say it will be the same, maybe slightly ahead,” said Lamar Dixon, the owner.

A Visa Inc. survey predicts a close contest: Hosts of Super Bowl parties plan to spend an average of $118.80, not even an extra point higher than last year’s $118.

Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest Sunday of the year for Mister Jim’s and the all-around high-scoring day for Cal’z. Chicken wings are the No. 1 game-day sellers for both.

Add this to your list of big gains during the Super Bowl: Cal’z sold 34,445 wings last Super Bowl day, Calway said. Turn that number into career passing yardage, and it’s about midway between the two super QBs: The New York Giants’ Eli Manning with 27,579 and the New England Patriots’ Tom Brady with 39,979.