The national chain restaurant Subway will be opening Jan15 at 3213 St. Paul St., on the corner of St. Paul St. and 33rd St.
The operator and owner of the franchise, Jerry Smith, decided to open a chain across from the University Mini-Mart after considering factors such as high visibility, high foot and vehicle traffic and easy accessibility from the local dormitories, fraternity houses and hospitals.
Smith first started investing in Subway 25 years ago when he and his brother decided to open a chain in downtown Baltimore after listening to a radio commercial. He now owns and operates seven Subways and has also been the owner of PJs Pub located on 3333 Charles St. for the past 19 years.
"I have stuck to Subways because I have been successful with them," Smith said. "I think this Subway will do well because of the ideal location."
According to Smith, the opening of Subway was scheduled to correspond with the beginning of Hopkins' school year, but the grand opening was postponed due to zoning and planning board requirements with Charles Village and the city.
In order to open the new franchise, Subway first had to survey the site and give permission to Smith to open a new chain. Smith then invested money up to a $100,000 into the franchise, paid the lease and received the profits through the years as Subway, in return, received royalty checks and enforced the health requirements of the site.
Smith said that he leased the property from landlord Bob Frankis, who bought the property five years ago and made the necessary renovations to the building such as constructing a handicap ramp. The building used to house a dry cleaning store, which went out of business around eight years ago.
"[Subway] is a great fit for the neighborhood," Smith explained. "It will create jobs for the students, promotional activities for student groups and national advertising prospects with the university."
The new Subway will accept JCASH and will be open from 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Mon.-Tues., and 10 am-3 am. Wed.-Sun.
