The Georgetown-area Schlotzsky’s on I-35 celebrated its 20th anniversary in May, and owner Michele Jaroszewski-Webb has been there for every one of the location’s milestones.

Jaroszewski-Webb said she was 16 years old and looking for a part-time job when the Georgetown Schlotzsky’s, part of the Austin-based national franchise chain, opened in 1997. She said she found a sense of family with her co-workers at the specialty sandwich shop. 

“I loved it,” Jaroszewski-Webb said. “I loved the people I worked with. This is a close family, and I love working here.”

Michele Jaroszewski-Webb bought the Georgetown Schlotzsky’s shop in 2007.[/caption]

Fiesta Chicken Sandwich: Chicken, cheddar cheese, black olives, roasted red peppers, chipotle mayonnaise lettuce, red onions, green onions and sliced tomatoes on jalapeno cheese bun ($5.79-$12.29, depending on size)

After working for the franchise through her high school and college years, Jaroszewski-Webb purchased the store in October 2007.

Jaroszewski-Webb moved to Georgetown when she was 3 years old, grew up in the city and graduated from Georgetown High School. She said when she decided to buy the Schlotzsky’s store, she knew giving back to her community would be a key aspect of her new role.

Schlotzsky’s California Chicken and Avocado Flatbread: Chicken breast, chopped bacon, diced avocados, andouille cream sauce, red bell peppers, cilantro, mozzarella and cheddar cheese, Southwest chipotle mayonnaise on flatbread crust ($7.49)[/caption]

“I want to go out into the community and be proud,” she said. “I want my employees to get that sense of pride. I want them to know they are helping out the community.”

Under Jaroszewski-Webb’s ownership, the Schlotzsky’s has helped Georgetown nonprofits and schools, including providing food for Project Graduation at Georgetown ISD’s three high schools, Jaroszewski-Webb said.

Keeping up with the growth of Georgetown has also been important to Jaroszewski-Webb, she said.

Schlotzsky’s Fiesta Chicken Sandwich: Chicken, cheddar cheese, black olives, roasted red peppers, chipotle mayonnaise, lettuce, red onions, green onions and sliced tomatoes on jalapeno cheese bun ($5.79- $12.29, depending on size)[/caption]

She recently signed a franchise renewal with Schlotzsky’s and plans to remodel and update her store, she said.

Jaroszewski-Webb added she has an interest in opening a second Schlotzsky’s location in Georgetown at some point in the future.

“Georgetown has my heart,” Jaroszewski-Webb said. “I love the people and our environment. It’s a great little town.”

Schlotzsky’s 601 N. I-35, Georgetown 512-868-1244 www.schlotzskys.com Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.