Spring holidays might first conjure images of pastel-colored eggs, but April 20 means a different celebration for one American subculture and an especially chaotic time for Cheba Hut, a franchised “marijuana friendly” sandwich shop that first opened near ASU in 1998.
Jason Freedman owns the Cheba Hut franchises in Tempe, Glendale and Tucson and said sales on April 20 are about three to four times more than on an average day.
“4/20 is hands down the busiest time of the year,” Freedman said. “It’s like our Super Bowl.”
In fact, April 20 is so busy for Cheba Hut staff, Freedman said it is the only day of the year when it is mandatory for every employee to work.
“It’s chaos all day and you run as fast as you can,” he said. “It’s definitely an endurance test.”
Former employees will even request the day off from their current employers and volunteer to work for them, he said.
“Every employee will be working, plus every volunteer we can get our hands on,” Freedman said. “We’ll have 20 to 25 employees at each store. It’s pretty much balls-to-the-wall all day long.”
With live music, giveaways and specials like a four-inch sub, chips and a drink for $4.20, Freedman said the line to order will stretch out the door from open to close.
“It’s more like a party day,” he said. “We like to have some real fun.”
Heather Orman, an employee at the Tempe location, said she has yet to work on April 20 and has been gearing up for the day.
“I’m super stoked,” Orman said. “It’s going to be dope … It’s pretty much going to be a party at my work.”
Orman said the store is already promoting the day’s festivities
“Everyone is going to be in really high spirits,” she said. “When it comes to 4/20, people are out the door pretty much the whole day.”
Tempe Cheba Hut’s general manager, Mike Lenox, said patrons flock to the store on April 20.
“I feel like we set up an awesome atmosphere for 4/20,” Lenox said. “It’s considered a holiday.”
He said Cheba Hut is a “staple” for the April 20 celebration.
“With the live music and the giveaways, it’s just a good time,” Lenox said. “You get to celebrate with people who are celebrating the same thing.”
Reach the reporter at kmmandev@asu.eu
