When Team USA clenched the gold medal in a heart-stopping overtime victory against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Newark erupted in celebration. But while the nation cheered for Jack Hughes’ game-winning goal, locals were just as captivated by his smile—or rather, what was missing from it. Following a brutal high-sticking incident that cost the New Jersey Devils star a few front teeth, Newark’s legendary Hobby’s Delicatessen has responded in the most Jersey way possible: by naming a sandwich after him that requires absolutely no chewing ability.
The 'Jack’s Golden Goal Sandwich': Tender Enough for a Champion
Less than 24 hours after Hughes buried the puck past the Canadian netminder at 1:41 of overtime, Hobby’s Delicatessen owners Marc and Mike Brummer debuted their latest creation: Jack’s Golden Goal Sandwich. The marketing pitch is simple, hilarious, and practical: "So tender, you don't need teeth."
The sandwich features mounds of ultra-rare, thinly sliced roast beef, melted American cheese, and "golden" sautéed onions, all piled high on a pillowy soft roll. The Brummer brothers deliberately skipped their famous crusty rye bread for this special. "It had to be something easy to eat without teeth," Marc Brummer explained to a packed lunch crowd on Tuesday. "We saw that picture of Jack smiling with the gap, and we knew—the kid needs soft food, but he needs it to taste like victory."
The 'Overtime Bonus' Side Dish
It wouldn't be a Hobby's meal without a side of excess. To complement the soft sandwich, the deli is serving an "Overtime Bonus" of their legendary fried Olympic onion rings. While the sandwich is designed for the dentally challenged, the crunch of the rings reminds everyone of the hard-hitting game that brought the gold home to New Jersey.
A Viral Photo Inspires a Menu Change
The inspiration for the meal came moments after the medal ceremony. A photo of the 24-year-old center biting his gold medal—exposing the fresh gap left by Canada's Sam Bennett's high stick in the third period—went instantly viral. For the Brummer brothers, whose deli is just blocks from the Prudential Center, it was a call to action.
"Of course, we're all enamored with that picture of Jack with the flag draped around his shoulders and the bleeding teeth," Marc noted. "But then you think, 'The guy's got to eat, right?' He’s coming home to Newark, and he can’t exactly chew a bagel right now."
Newark and the Devils: A Delicious Relationship
Hobby’s Delicatessen has been a staple of downtown Newark for over 60 years, and its connection to the New Jersey Devils is as deep as its pickle barrels. Located at 32 Branford Place, just a slapshot away from the team's home ice, the deli has long served players, fans, and staff. This isn't their first rodeo with player-inspired menu items; the "Chico Reuben" honors former goaltender Glenn "Chico" Resch, but Jack's sandwich is the first to factor in dental surgery as a culinary constraint.
"The Devils are wonderful neighbors," said Mike Brummer. "They support us, and we happily support them. We just had two fans in here specifically asking for the 'no-teeth' special. It’s a lot of fun."
Waiting for the Hero's Return
As Team USA returns from Milan, the city of Newark is preparing a hero's welcome, but Hobby’s is preparing a table. While Hughes hasn't yet tasted the tribute meal, the invitation is open. "We would love for Jack to come in here and have the sandwich," Mike added playfully. "He could eat it even without his tooth because it's easily eaten. Plus, it’s on the house—gold medalists don't pay for roast beef in this town."
Until Hughes can get his smile fixed, at least he knows he won’t go hungry in Newark. For everyone else who still has all their teeth, the sandwich is just a delicious way to taste a bit of Olympic history.
