News

Which Wich customer experience spurs new name for classic 'wich

March 10, 2010

A Which Wich customer in Cumming, Ga., recently had an unforgettable experience with the chain's popular Wicked Wich. For customer Chad Ettmueller, an attempted bite into his favorite sandwich resulted in 14 hours with his jaw locked open, treatment at three different hospitals, and one sandwich he never got to eat.

Wanting to celebrate his son's second-place win at the school talent show, Ettmueller and his family went out for sandwiches at their neighborhood Which Wich restaurant. But that night when Ettmueller opened his mouth to take his first bite, his jaw suddenly locked, his mouth stuck wide open.

"Everyone thought I was kiddin' around," Ettmueller said. "I get that sandwich every time. Even my kids said, 'ha ha, funny dad.' Imagine trying to defend yourself when you can't talk! It's not easy."

Befuddled, Ettmueller stepped outside while his family continued eating and tried punching himself in the jaw to pop it back into place. But, it wouldn't budge. When he returned inside the restaurant his family realized it wasn't a joke after all.

His wife and kids then left the restaurant and headed to the nearest urgent care facility, where they were met with stifled laughter and ultimately told that the office was "ill-equipped" to handle his unique problem.

Ettmueller was ultimately transported by ambulance to Emory Hospital where he was diagnosed with double dislocation of the mandible, which was corrected by an oral surgeon through jaw manipulation.

Later that night, Ettmueller's best friend met him at the hospital and around 4:30 a.m. his friend got hungry and ate Ettmueller's Wicked sandwich.

"In our six years of operating Which Wich we have never heard anything quite like this," said Which Wich founder Jeff Sinelli. "We are happy to report that Chad is in good spirits and his jaw is healing. In the meantime, we are just supplying him with as many milkshakes as he wants."

In recognition of Ettmueller's unique experience, Which Wich is giving his wich an honorary name: "Lock-Jaw," "Double Dislocator," or "Jaw Wrecker." Which Wich fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite name on Twitter @Whichwich, Facebook at the Which Wich fan page or e-mail.