FARMINGTON – A franchise of Denver-based, fast-food restaurant Quiznos Sub opened its doors for the first time Tuesday morning, bringing 20 new jobs to the area and serving hundreds of people in its first two days of business.
Robert Tate of Bath bought the building between the Farmington Diner and the Mobil Station on Route 4 with business-partner Steve Field months ago after the store the two had owned in Old Orchard Beach was torn down when condominiums were built in its place.
Tate and Field spent months researching different fast food franchises, trying to decide what kind of restaurant to open, and finally settled on Quizno’s because it is “the fastest growing franchise in America,” and because of the store’s dedication to fresh food and great service.
Before being licensed to operate a franchise, Tate said, all prospective Quiznos owners have to graduate from Quiznos University in Denver, and must hang their diplomas on the franchise wall upon opening.
Tate said his experience at Quiznos University convinced him buying the franchise was a great idea.
“You’d walk away (from the classes) just feeling good you’re a part of the organization,” he said.
A little past 6 p.m. Wednesday, Tate said, the 20 new employees had taken 526 orders – some for 12 sandwiches – 310 on Tuesday and 216 Wednesday, with four hours left before closing. The biggest seller was the prime rib sandwich, “the only sandwich with twice the meat.”
“We’ve sold just shy of 100 prime ribs,” so far, Tate said.
New Manager Jodi Fitch of Farmington said so far she loves the job. Tate and Field paid to send her to Denver – an experience she says was great and “very intense.” She loves the fresh, quality food Quiznos uses, she said, as well as the fast-paced, upbeat atmosphere. “They’ve treated me very well,” she said, not only of Tate and Field but of Denver-based Quiznos representatives, as well. “They really want to see you succeed,” she said.
And so far, folks at Quiznos are succeeding, according to some customers. Alexander Fenning, 8, of Strong, sat at a corner table with his parents Wednesday night, laughing in between taking huge bites of a sub. Coming to Quiznos was his idea, but, too polite to speak with his mouth full, he didn’t say whether or not he was enjoying the food – only nodded vigorously when asked.
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