If you’re a Utah County local and still haven’t been to Zubs, it’s time to meet your new favorite sandwich and pizza spot.
Zubs began 30+ years ago when Alan and Rena Peacock teamed up with their family Ryan and Vickie Moss. Combining their love of sandwiches, Vickie’s now-legendary bread recipe, and the bones of a former pizza shop, they created a small-town restaurant that’s been winning hearts (and stomachs) ever since. So why the name Zubs? Is it a combo of the words pizza and sub? Apparently saying “subs” with a German accent sounds like “Zubs.” In the early days, a German customer kept coming in and asking for a “Zub,” and the phrase stuck when it came time to name the restaurant.
For more than three decades, the owners have treated locals like family. Stop by and you’ll likely meet Rena, Steve, and Vickie, who know thousands of loyal customers by name. Their shop is more than a restaurant; it’s a community hub. Just last month, Zubs catered a wedding for their sixth “homegrown” couple—employees who met on the job and later tied the knot. The owners proudly say their staff is family, and many teens and college students have landed their very first jobs here. Some employees stay for years, and Rena states it’s partly thanks to Rena’s brother-in-law Steve Peacock’s psychology degree from BYU. Instead of a traditional career, Steve has stayed with Zubs because of his love for customers and sandwiches, and the employees have been very blessed with his skills in mentoring young workers and helping them navigate those nerve-wracking first jobs.
And yes, the sandwiches really are made with love. Customers’ compliments about the food fuel the team as much as the bread does. And oh, that bread, Vickie’s recipe is so good it deserves a lifetime achievement award: fluffy, preservative-free, and all the “dang good carbs” you could ever want.
Not a sandwich fan? Don’t worry. Their pizzas hold their own, making Zubs a one-stop shop for couples and families with mixed cravings. There are people that like ranch dressing and there are those that are fanatics, so if you’re one of those people who lives for and bleeds ranch dressing, you’re in luck as they sell it by the bottle. You can also try the giant cinnamon rolls or peanut butter bars.
The year before the pandemic, Rena had considered selling, but her strong faith and intuition told her it wasn’t the right move. God said it wasn’t the right time for her to sell. She’s glad she listened as the business is thriving, and the owners still love what they do. Like previously mentioned, Rena was trying to decide whether or not to sell it before the pandemic. So when COVID hit, how did they stay in business? Apparently Zubs didn’t miss a beat. Rena recalls that, unlike many larger restaurants, they never had to slow down since they weren’t necessarily a sit-down establishment, and loyal customers kept ordering. Generous tippers made sure delivery drivers were supported. Deep down, we’ve always known pizza is an essential food—and during COVID, it proved once again to be its own food group.
And now for some important news: It’s September, which means we’re closing in on Zubs’ most famous creation—the Thanksgiving Sub. Yes, it’s exactly what you’re picturing: turkey, stuffing, cream cheese, and cranberry sauce all stacked in one yummy sandwich. Even self-proclaimed cranberry haters end up loving it. Zubs offers a rotating “sub of the month,” but the month of November by far has the fan favorite. Honestly, it’s reason enough to stop by every month just to see what’s new.
Want to share your love for Zubs with your family, friends and coworkers? There’s more great news! Zubs caters and you can contact Rena to get a big picture on what the food combos can look like. It’s a great option for business owners to treat their employees and partners.
At the end of the day, Zubs’ secret ingredient isn’t just Vickie’s bread—it’s the community. Loyal customers have kept the shop thriving for 30+ years, and the owners are deeply and extremely grateful for every single one of them. Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, planning a big event, or even a wedding, Zubs has you covered—with food, family, and plenty of heart.
By Rachael Lofgran (Profile coming soon)
