Herriman, Utah — A local Jimmy John's location in Herriman has reopened its doors, over a year after a devastating explosion forced its closure. Employees at the sandwich shop are once again preparing orders for customers, a welcome sign for the business and its patrons following a lengthy rebuilding process.
The explosion occurred on July 5, 2025, at a strip mall located at 13400 South and 5100 West. The incident began with a late-night multi-vehicle crash that subsequently sparked a fiery explosion, injuring three people. The Jimmy John's location sustained heavy damage, as did neighboring businesses Supercuts and Domino's Pizza.
Debbie Merrill, who has owned the Herriman Jimmy John's location since 2014, described her initial reaction to the incident as one of "total disbelief and fear" until her employees' safety was confirmed. After that initial relief, Merrill recalled having "a little bit of a sense of humor about it," acknowledging that such disasters can happen. The journey to restoration spanned approximately 15 months of intensive rebuilding efforts.
For Merrill, the reopening brings immense relief and a feeling of completeness for her company. She expressed that it was "such a huge relief" to be back, noting that for over a year, something had felt "wrong the whole time," as a key component of their company was missing. The return to business has allowed Merrill and her employees to feel "whole once again," marking the end of a period where a significant part of their operation was absent.
Rob Rasmussen, Jimmy John's Director of Operations, described the initial impact as "just heartbreaking." However, he highlighted the "super inspiring" reaction of the team in the store. Rasmussen also shared his excitement for the reopening, comparing the anticipation to that of "a kid on Christmas," eagerly awaiting the special day.
To officially mark the occasion, the store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event symbolized the end of the rebuilding period and the official announcement that the Herriman Jimmy John's was back in operation, ready to serve the community at its long-standing location. The reopening signifies more than just a business returning; it represents a triumph over adversity and a commitment to the Herriman community following a significant disruption.
