Ah, Jimmy John's. Good food, yes. But the chain raised its prices in January. Is it still possible to get a decent meal - with a drink - for less than $5?

The food: The Vito - an Italian sub sandwich ($3.50) - and a regular Minute Maid lemonade ($1.19)

Total with tax: $4.97

Place: Jimmy John's, 643 E. Grand River Ave. (517)351-1800 or (517)333-1891; 143 N. Harrison Ave., (517)664-2900; 4790 S. Hagadorn Road (517)333-1800

Hours: 10:30 a.m.-3 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-4 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Delivery: Available for an additional $0.49 (plus or minus 10 cents) per item. It's almost always faster than pizza delivery, so be sure to give the driver a good tip.

Xtras: When you're coming within pennies of going over $5, it's hard to get any extras. Still, there are several other subs also available for $3.50: the Pepe (ham and provolone), Big John (roast beef), Sorry Charlie (tuna salad), Turkey Tom, Vegetarian and J.J.B.L.T. (bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo).

Our thoughts: If you've never tried Jimmy John's before, it's time you did. The bread was a bit hard on one end, but aside from that, the meal was delicious. Our sandwich had Genoa salami, capicola, provolone cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and Italian vinaigrette on French bread. The bread is designed to hold the larger, $4.50 subs, but the extra air makes it easier to fit in your mouth.

Kurt Ludke