Purists stick strictly to the classic preparation, but modern sandwich culture has created widespread customization hacks. Chief among them is the addition of cherry pepper relish, known inside restaurant circles as "CPR."
The cherry pepper relish is not technically part of Mike's Way. It sits in a separate stainless steel container near the slicer. The condiment consists of finely diced, pickled sweet red cherry peppers with a distinct vinegar heat. Ordering a sandwich "Mike's Way with CPR" introduces a sweet-hot dynamic that cuts the rich saltiness of meats like the Famous Roast Beef or the Club Sub.
Other common adjustments exist for distinct dining needs:
Patrons ordering subs to go on long car trips often request "Juice on the side." Crew members provide small plastic portion cups containing the oil-and-vinegar mixture to prevent the roll from getting excessively soft over several hours. Conversely, seasoned commuters who eat immediately sometimes order "heavy Juice," signaling the line cook to apply an extra pass of the oil and vinegar cruets.
