MARIJUANA-THEMED HOAGIE SHOP IS BLAZING

Set apart from the conventional sandwich shop is Cheba Hut. No fast
food in the College Area rivals its innovative subs.

This up-and-coming franchise is definitely putting new strains on the
map.

Established by Scott Jennings in 1998 near Arizona State, Cheba Hut
opened a new location on El Cajon Boulevard last July. The eccentric
combination of sandwiches and "munchie" snacks are sure to lift
students' taste buds to a new high.

Greeting customers is a bright green vintage Volkswagen bus parked
curbside out front. As soon as customers open the door, the amiable
employees greet them with genuine hospitality. The peaceful, mellow
atmosphere is brought full circle with reggae music to put diners in a
relaxed mood not achieved in most restaurants.

"The laid-back atmosphere is just as important to us as the quality of
our food and the service we provide," Matt Trethewey, co-owner and
Chief Operating Officer of the parent franchising company, said. "We
want to treat people the way we want to be treated. It's an old-school
approach to business. We like to engage our customers, look them in
the eye and talk to them. To us, it's more about the interaction than
the transaction. Everyone gets a kick out of the menu and the names of
the sandwiches.

We're getting people to think a little and open their
minds."

When it comes time to order, the decision becomes complicated as the
aroma of toasted hoagies invade the senses. Choosing between almost 30
combinations of subs with classic names such as Magic Mushroom, Kush,
Silver Haze, Chronic and White Widow makes it difficult to not get
carried away with the pun-filled fun. The signature subs come in nug
(4 inch), pinner (8 inch), or blunt (12 inch) sizes, and any sandwich
can be catered to suit customers' tastes.

"The Chronic is amazing," Trevor Brannen, a sophomore at San Diego
State, said. "It's barbecue beef covered in their own homemade
barbecue sauce, so you know it's fresh. Topped with some onions,
peppers, mushrooms ... makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
It's a really chill place to be. The staff is really helpful, all the
customers are always satisfied. It's just a really feel-good kind of
place."

Not everyone will be attuned to the menu's lingo, but that hasn't
stopped diners from enjoying its piquant subs and munchies. The goo
balls reign supreme, and the hemp brownies and rice krispie bars are
not far behind.

Although lethargic and carefree attitudes are commonly associated with
anything advocating such a lifestyle, diners are pleasantly surprised
to find the staff energetic and attentive. The employees make pleasant
conversation while checking up on customers to make sure everyone is
satisfied.

Cheba Hut hosts an annual 420 party, and all day on April 20 it will
be selling any nug sandwich, bag of chips and a drink served in a
Cheba frisbee for $4.20. Those who are 21 years and older can also
enjoy beer specials and live music.