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Taking Part Of Detroit Back To California – Robert’s Excellent Ernie’s Market Adventure

Our studios are right around the corner in Oak Park from a little place called Ernie’s Market. A wonderful little sandwich shop with a giant of a man behind the…

Ernie's Market in SoCal
Robert Chun (with permission)

Our studios are right around the corner in Oak Park from a little place called Ernie’s Market. A wonderful little sandwich shop with a giant of a man behind the counter who makes you leave with a smile on your face and a sandwich big enough to feed your neighborhood (not complaining btw - it’s awesome).

Over the years we’ve had Ernie in studio for his birthday and stopped by on one of our restaurant road trips. We’ve always known that people come from far and wide to visit Ernie’s Market - but we didn’t know they were taking them all the way to California…until Robert told us his story on the Fans of Ernie’s Market page on Facebook. 

Ernie’s Market - The Road Trip (Plane Trip?) 

Here’s the facebook post from Robert Chun: 

Hi Ernie and friends, I thought you might enjoy hearing our sandwich saga. After living in Michigan for 5 years and moving to California - aside from our friends, the thing I miss the most is Ernie's.

Making sandwiches at Ernie'sRobert Chun via FB

A very kind friend once brought me a couple Ernie's sandwiches in a cooler when flying over to California - this was an amazing surprise!

Recently I visited Michigan for the first time in 9 years; this was an important opportunity - the first time in many years to have Ernie's again.

Not to waste this chance, my wife and I went to Meijer and bought a disposable cooler and ice pack. Called up Ernie's and placed an order for seven sandwiches. Froze the sandwiches, packed up the cooler, and this was my carry-on for the flight home!

I am now enjoying Ernie's sandwiches by the beach in Southern California - a truly sublime culinary experience. 

taking Ernie's Market back to SoCal Robert Chun

You are a legend Ernie; not only for your food, but for your love and kindness. If we all strove to be more like Ernie, the world would be a better place.

Please don't ever stop, Ernie's market. I'll be back next time with another cooler!

Ernie’s Market - What Robert Said 

Robert captured everything that’s good about Ernie’s in two sentences: 

You are a legend Ernie; not only for your food, but for your love and kindness. If we all strove to be more like Ernie, the world would be a better place.

When you’re waiting in line at Ernie’s you’ll make a friend. Seriously. Everyone’s in a good mood while the sandwiches are made. Conversations about the Lions and Faygo or Vernors, a smile or knowing nod tells you this is our place and it’s all good. I know it sounds silly - but pick a day and go grab a sandwich..sit down at one of the benches and just soak it in.

Ernie rocks at Ernie’s Market in Oak Park!

You’ll see people in their cars eating, talking with each other (not on their phones….crazy). And when Ernie’s there he’s taking time to talk with folks outside, a pat on the back and asking how you’re doing. He’s your friend and the world is indeed a better place with him in it. 

I’ve got a smile just writing this. Meet me at Ernie’s Market for lunch. Here's the address:

8500 Capital St, Oak Park, MI 48237

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.