Earlier this year, folks were in awe about Sweet Tomatoes making its return to Tucson (the only location in the entire country). However, it’s not the only comeback happening in the national restaurant chain food scene.
The Spongmonkeys — the oddly-shaped, human-toothed, little critters — are back and they’ve brought Quiznos with ’em. Remember these commercials?
The sandwich shop hosted its soft opening on Thursday, September 26 at 2601 E. Speedway Blvd.
This is the first of the new concepts to open in Arizona, and it comes with new features like a drive-thru — only the second Quiznos in the U.S. to have one.
Note: there are a few Quiznos in the Phoenix area but this is the chain’s first “full-menu” location.
The new restaurant is part of a “blockbuster deal” involving 30 new locations to open in Arizona over the next five to seven years — making the state a major hub for the brand as it continues its resurgence.
The new restaurant is in the former Fish Wok lot (it was demolished last year) and inside, there’s a new-to-Quiznos interior design with graphics specific to the local area and a “modernized layout” that helps with kitchen efficiency and customer flow. Plus, there’s new equipment at this location, offering an expanded menu with items such as chicken tenders and French fries.
“Parish Patel, a quick-service restaurant industry veteran who has successfully operated several concepts, including Quiznos, over the course of his 21-year career, has returned to the brand to be part of its reinvigoration and is well-positioned to help lead the way in re-establishing Arizona as a central hub for Quiznos.”
There are plenty of toasted subs on the menu, a few salads, bread bowl soups, tater tots, and Philly Fries (fries topped with grilled steak, peppers and onions, Queso Bravo, and banana peppers).
“Two decades after opening my first Quiznos location, I am truly inspired to again recommit to this great brand and play a key role in its ongoing reinvigoration and resurgence, with Arizona leading the charge in building back our footprint,” he said. “I have a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t and what’s critical for success.”
Patel plans to make Arizona the home of the most Quiznos in the U.S.
“Parish Patel’s return highlights the strong growth potential that the iconic Quiznos brand has moving forward,” said Gregory Boudreaux, Vice President of Operations & Brand Leader at Quiznos’ parent company, REGO Restaurant Group.
The new sandwich shop is open daily from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Quiznos is located at 2601 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, visit quiznos.com.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
