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Variety of Soups, Salads, and Subs All Available at New Quiznos Sub

Quiznos Sub could give fast food a whole new reputation. Fresh ingredients, special recipes, and careful preparation provide the toasted sandwiches with a unique flavor at this Princeton Shopping Center self-service restaurant.

Opened in April, Quiznos Sub is a franchise, independently owned by Umesh Malik. It is a big success, with hungry customers lining up to sample the savory subs. Lunch is especially popular, but kids come in after school and adults after work, as well.

"Quiznos Sub started in Denver in 1981, and now there are more than 2000 internationally. 20 opened in New Jersey just this year," says Mr. Malik, who was born and brought up in India before coming to the U.S. in 1976.

Formerly a consultant in computers and financial planning, he was drawn to Quiznos Sub because he believed it offered quality food.

He admired the company's mission statement: "To be the leader in quick service restaurants by serving the best sandwich in the market place ... one successful restaurant and one 'wowed' customer at a time."

Indeed. By means of the special preparation process, Quiznos Sub's aim is to prepare the sandwiches in one minute and 59 seconds! "But never sacrificing quality." says Mr. Malik.

"I was looking to open my own business,' he adds, "and I looked at everything, many franchise opportunities. I decided on Quiznos Sub because it is a unique product. It tastes good, and it looks nice.

"Our subs are toasted. All are very fresh and toasty and great quality," he continues. "We use special proprietary breads, signature sauces, and Quiznos red wine vinaigrette. With the subs, the juices of the meat blend in with the bread for the unique toasted flavor. They taste great."

Customers agree with him, and people are coming in throughout the day and evening, especially for the subs, but also for the salads, soups, and chili.

Popular subs include the classic Italian, with salami, pepperoni, capicola, ham, mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and red wine vinaigrette dressing; turkey bacon guacamole, with turkey, bacon, guacamole, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and ranch dressing; and smoked turkey on rosemary parmesan bread, with hickory smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and roasted red pepper sauce.

Full Flavor

Vegetarian choices are available, including the "Veggie" sandwich, with guacamole, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, mushrooms, mozzarella, cheddar, and red wine vinaigrette dressing.

Another selection offers "full flavor with less than seven grams of fat," and features the favorite honey bourbon chicken on wheat bread, with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, honey bourbon mustard, and zesty grille sauce.

Sandwiches come in three sizes: small at 4 and a half inches; regular at 8 inches, and large at 12 inches. Breads include white, whole wheat, rosemary parmesan, herb focaccia, and Italian ciabatta, among others.

There are also special selections for children: "Quiz Kidz Meals". Toasty turkey 'n' cheez, toasty cheez, and toasty ham 'n' cheez are popular choices, which also include "Kidz" drink, dessert, snack, and a special prize (currently a CD), all served in a colorful bag featuring entertaining quizzes, for $2.99.

Other prices include subs from $3.79, and salads from $1.99. Popular salads are honey mustard chicken, with all-white meat chicken, cheddar, mixed greens, bacon chips, garlic cheese croutons, and honey mustard dressing; and chicken Caesar salad, with romaine lettuce, Caesar cheese blend, all-white meat chicken, garlic cheese croutons, and Caesar dressing.

Sodas, lemonade, iced tea, and coffee are also available, as are Quiznos signature chips, cookies, cakes, and brownies.

Tail-gate Parties

3-foot and 6-foot party subs are offered, and party trays are a big business. Quiznos Sub has an appealing variety of choices for football tail-gate parties and picnics, and is also a popular spot for children's birthday parties.

Customers come in both for take-out and sit-down, reports Mr. Malik.

The restaurant can accommodate 36 people inside and 14 outside, both on the courtyard and the parking lot entrance.

The setting is informal and bright, with a contemporary decor and convenient arrangement, and it is sparkling clean.

Mr. Malik is very proud to have recently received the Quiznos Sub Platinum Award for cleanliness and service. He is also very encouraged with the number of customers, including many repeats and regulars, who come in.

"We are really off to a good start. I've had wonderful experiences with the customers. Many people come in at least once a week or more. I really like the people. It's been interesting, too – four pregnant ladies came in and then came back later with their babies!"

Mr. Malik is also pleased with the Shopping Center location. "Everyone is very friendly here, and of course, there is good parking. I definitely wanted to be in Princeton, and I look forward to really being part of the community. I want to make a difference. We will never offer anything sub-standard."

Quiznos Sub is open Monday through Saturday 10 to 9, Sunday 12 to 8. 279-9100.