HAMPTON | On Monday, January 3, Hampton welcomed "Just Gen's" to the center of downtown.

To kick off the New Year, this "Sandwich Shop and More" will be offering delicious, unique soups, salads, sandwiches and other specialties at the old location of Tommy Gone Loco's. Some of Tommy's best sandwiches will still remain on the menu along with a fresh new flair given to it by new owner Kathy Delpero and her family.

Located at 471 Lafayette Road on Route 1, Just Gen's comes to town with a special story behind it: the origin of the restaurant's name is as interesting as the recipes.

Kathy, the youngest of six entrepreneurs and originally from the Napa Valley, recently lost her mother Genevieve, who sounds like she was quite a lady. Ornery and headstrong, yet intelligent with so much to offer, she always encouraged her children to live their dreams and pursue whatever made them happy.

A restaurant entrepreneur herself, Genevieve grew tired of always telling people how to spell her name. Finally, she started to simply say "Just Gen." This became her trademark and eventually was her staple signature on cards to her loved ones, graced her vanity license plates and even her e-mail address.

So, when Kathy came upon this business opportunity, her daughter insightfully suggested the name that is now written above their shop. Cyclically, it really seems to fit.

Kathy has changed the décor of the shop to what she describes as "welcoming and open," with light colors and brown, rustic red and plaid for the tables. This gives the atmosphere a hint of Italian country, although their menu is very diverse.

There are 18 seats inside and four at the counter, so it is very comfortable to eat-in or take-out. With sandwiches from funky to traditional, they have something to tempt all taste buds. Along with a 10" sub, Kathy will be offering Paninis, which are grilled pressed-bread sandwiches; a different soup every day; and selections with a Mexican flair including burritos, quesadillas, nachos and more.

Some specialty sandwiches that are a must to try are the "Mardi Gras," the "Texas Tornado," the "Bada-Bing," the "Heart Attack," the "Smooth Move" and "Just Gen's Club." For the Super Bowl, they will be offering 24" party subs and can cater parties when you call ahead with anything on the menu.

Kathy's 18-year-old daughter Malorie will be her "right-hand man" until she goes off to college in the fall, and they are eager to start serving the Hampton community.

Just Gen's is open six days a week (closed Sundays) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with later hours to come in the summer months. They can be reached for take-out or more information at (603) 929-7873. Come on down and try something new!