New Orleans City Council approves Saints QB Drew Brees' sandwich shop

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees earned approval to open a sandwich shop in the area. (Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees successfully argued for a permit that will allow him to open a Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches shop in the city, the Times-Picayune's Michelle Krupa reports.

"I'm a member of the Uptown community," Brees told the council in asking for approval. "In fact, I live six blocks from the Maple Street business district. I'm very proud of that community. I'm proud to live there, and I certainly love it.

"And while I hope we have a wildly successful business on Maple Street, what is more important to me is that we become a very respectful community partner."

The Saints quarterback needed council approval because he wanted to put his sandwich shop - considered a fast-food restaurant - into an area zoned for neighborhood businesses. Brees' attorney argued that the Jimmy John's would be more like a neighborhood restaurant and unanimously earned the permit. Some residents of the area had opposed the shop.

It was a busy day for Brees, who reportedly received a new contract offer from the Saints on Thursday as well.