Quiznos to open inside Meijer on Carpenter Road
Quiznos plans to open another sandwich shop inside Meijer — this time at the Carpenter Road store at 3825 Carpenter Road, in Pittsfield Township.
A national chain, Quiznos sells hot and cold sub sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast items.
This will be the third Quiznos franchise for owner Subhash Patel, who also owns the sub shop at 4655 Washtenaw, in Ann Arbor, in addition to leasing space inside the Scio Township Meijer.
Although sales are not as high as anticipated at the Scio Township store since opening eight months ago, Patel said he has seen business improving weekly.
“We need to continue to build awareness that there is a Quiznos inside Meijer,” said Patel, who said the shop is attracting shoppers but not as many employees as expected.
Regardless, Patel is moving ahead with his plan to open inside the Carpenter Road Meijer and hopes that higher foot traffic in that location will help business.
“Scio Township is a developing area, whereas Carpenter Road is already developed,” said Patel. “They also have a lot of college kids over there and that will attract a different crowd.”
Though there is a Subway and Jersey Mike’s Subs nearby, Patel is not concerned, saying that there are always competitors for sandwich shops.
Slightly larger than the 1,200-square-foot space in the Scio Road Meijer’s, the latest Quiznos will seat 35 and will be located in front of the bakery and next to the deli. It will be accessible through the store entrance.
“It’s a little bit different and unusual for that location,” said Patel. “The counter where they will order is right next to the deli, so that will help. People will see it.”
Currently under construction, Patel hopes to open the new location last week of August. A sign will be posted at the location when hiring will begin for sandwich makers and cashiers. He said he intends to hire five employees to start.
Although Patel has no plans to open another Quiznos location in the near future, he would stick to leasing space inside Meijer as opposed to a free-standing location.
“Inside Meijer is very cost-friendly and the traffic is there,” said Patel. “We just have to do our job marketing-wise.”
Marketing efforts include a new product strategy to promote Quiznos products as well as cost-friendly options.
“Quiznos is trying to differentiate from other competitors when it comes to taste,” said Patel.”No one can beat the taste of a Quiznos sandwich and that’s what Quiznos is going to go after.”
Comments
Dave
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
Quizno's, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, and The Bread Basket....just what we need on this end of town. Jersey Mike's will put Quizno's mystery meat out of business.
Arborcomment
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Now, if the other shop upstairs was still "open", Quiznos would bring closure to the munchies and additional meaning to the word "toasted".
Candy
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
I like their sandwiches, but just wish they included hot peppers as an option, like Jimmy John's and Potbelly's.
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 7:30 p.m.
They do. They also have a nice pepper bar where you grab some extra.
essjay
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
ermergerd!! now I don't have to go through another long shopping trip without a delicious sandwich.
montyman
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
Why, whenever we have story about a new business in the area, some know-it-all has to tell all the reasons it won't work? C'mon it's so easy to side on the sidelines talking about how you could do it better. Let's stop the negative and encourage these new businesses.
Billy
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:13 a.m.
""We need to continue to build awareness that there is a Quiznos inside Meijer," said Patel, who said the shop is attracting shoppers but not as many employees as expected." Um...lol? Hey guy did you NOT consider the average Meijer employee wage? It's far cheaper for them to bag lunch, or grab premade meijer food at an extreme discount... Not saying Quiznos is expensive or anything....just that it's a lot more expensive than other options. It would be considered a premium lunch for anyone working retail. "They also have a lot of college kids over there and that will attract a different crowd." Wait what? Lots of college kids....where exactly again? Glenco hills? Yeah those college kids have the extra money to spend on eating out....that's why they're staying FAR off campus... Sounds like someone guessed instead of paying for some actual demographics of the area.
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
Billy, your business analysis is clearly shooting from the hip. Most of the people in Meijer's are customers. I would definitely eat at Quizno's on my way out of the store rather than make a second stop at Subway. Any of these sandwich places get tiring after a while, so I eventually hit all of them. Seriously, most of the customers at the Carpenter Rd. Meijers live in free-standing stick-built homes, not apartments or trailer parks. College students from both major universities regularly shop at Meijer's. They probably save enough on groceries to pay for a tasty sandwich.
David Paris
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
Either way, Billy Nailed it! Quizno's is too expensive for college kids and Meijer employees.
flyonthewall
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Have you ever shopped that store while EMU, and yes UM, are in session? Those students shop that store, even the ones without transportation. If they can't borrow a car they take the bus, particularly the Hurons, oops! Eagles.
dogman32
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:38 p.m.
What premade Meijer food extreme discount would you be referring to, Billy?