Quiznos Opening New Restaurant in Tucson, 30 More Locations in Arizona

A popular toasted sub shop is expanding in Arizona.Photo byBilal RanaonUnsplash

It has been a strange couple of years for the sandwich segment of the restaurant industry. Mainstays like Subway have run into problems, as quality issues have bubbled to the surface (as well as significantly increased prices). A handful of regional sandwich shops, including several from California, have tried to move into metro Tucson. Still, many of these don’t have the brand recognition or have struggled to make any kind of significant dent in the Old Pueblo. In general, customers are hungry for affordable, well-made sandwiches. After all, anything else can be easily replaced by a homemade sandwich. One previous player in the industry though is looking to make a comeback in Arizona and is hoping to draw customers back with 30 new locations. 

Back at the peak of sandwich shops, one of the major competitors with Subway was Quiznos. Probably best known for its toasted subs, the shops were found everywhere (and advertised everywhere). However, as production costs increased, the brand wasn’t able to directly compete with Subway’s Five Dollar Footlong. Combined with other pricing and management issues, Quiznos ran face-first into Bankruptcy. Officially filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in 2014, the brand shuttered the majority of its restaurants, including those in Arizona (despite being based out of Denver, Colorado). 

Since filing for bankruptcy protection, Quiznos has seen steady growth. Not only has it expanded again in the United States, but it has opened locations around the globe, including in Brazil, Australia, China, India, Egypt, and Indonesia. Now, the brand is looking to make a major push into Arizona and greater Phoenix. 

In a recent press release, the brand announced it would open at least 30 new locations in Arizona over the next five to seven years. It wants to transform the state into a major hub for the restaurant. The first new location to open in Tucson since 2010 is kicking off a soft opening on Thursday, September 26 at 2601 East Speedway, though an official Grand Opening is expected to take place later in the autumn. 

The all-new Quiznos will offer a number of new features, in addition to the renovated restaurant space that will look far different from the older restaurants. New menu items include French fries and crispy chicken tenders. 

The restaurant is a locally owned franchise, so while it does have a national brand, the restaurant itself is owned and operated by Arizona locals.