Local sub shop has long history of loyal customers

SEABROOK, TX (KTRK) -- In 1978, Vinny Schillaci wanted out of the Snow Belt that was upstate New York.

So he set off on his motorcycle and headed south, intending to eventually turn west and go to California, where he entertained a dream of pursuing a career in marine science. That explains the scuba tank strapped on his bike.

Schillaci stopped over in Austin, which was still cool then, and lingered at a friend's home. Someone else suggested he come to Seabrook. Vinny did -- and he has yet to leave 36 years later.

It was, he says, the sailboats that got him. He began refinishing salvaged boat wood, eventually saving up enough money to start a small business with which he was familiar -- a sub sandwich shop.

Neptune Subs began in what amounted to a storage shed on a railroad easement on Highway 146. His grand opening came a few days early when a customer showed up for a sub sandwich. Schillaci was sleeping in his business, and was still hung over from the night before, by his own admission.

Apparently, he had a gift because the business quintupled in size over the decades.

"The secret is good ingredients, good bread, good meats," he says.

And his famous Bald Monday promotion doesn't hurt either. Neptune gives a discount based on the missing amount of hair on male customers' heads on the first Monday of the month.

It is not a fancy restaurant, but filled with a long line of customers who've been coming here for generations.

One regular says, "I love the food but I also love to help local businesses that serve Seabrook."

Schillaci does that -- opening after Hurricane Alicia to feed people living without power. He's also involved in local animal rescue.

A nice guy from New York who's seen the bay area grow up around him and who plans to keep going for another decade or more.

PS - The Italian Sub remains the same as it did 36 years ago and is the favorite item on the menu. Enjoy!