By Adam Hawthorne, Staff Writer
All great things must come to an end, and unfortunately, that includes the Subway in the River Hill Village Center.
After serving the community for more than a decade, the sandwich shop has officially closed its doors, leaving students and families without one of their most convenient food options. For many people, this subway was more than just a spot to grab a bite to eat after school or a way to refuel after a tough workout coming from the Columbia Gym across the street.
“I always loved going there after playing basketball at the gym; it was a great post-workout snack,” says junior Will Fortune.
However, the closing of this Subway came as no surprise to the members of our community who realize the challenges many franchises face in today’s economy. Rising food and supply costs have made it harder for businesses overall to keep their prices affordable and still make a profit. Along with this, there is also more competition with newer fast food chains opening up all around our community.
The closure of the River Hill Subway also reflects a pattern that residents are familiar with in their community. A few years ago, the Pizza Hut next to Kendall Hardware closed down, and, even with speculation of a new place to replace it, the building has not yet been filled. For many residents, that lengthy closure is a reminder that once a restaurant that they are accustomed to closes down, it may be a long time before something else opens there. In that unknown, it leaves residents pondering whether or not the former Subway location will be filled quickly or if it will remain unused for several years.
Not every student feels impacted, though. “Honestly, it doesn’t really affect me. I never even went to that Subway, so I don’t mind that it’s gone,” says junior Gavin Dang.
No official announcement has been made as to what will replace the village center’s empty space, leaving residents and students curious about the future of the popular location. However, rumors have already begun, with many hoping that another popular sandwich shop might move into the available space, Jersey Mike’s. The idea of Jersey Mike’s opening has sparked excitement among many students.
“I love Jersey Mike’s and would eat that over Subway any day,” says junior Leyla Tarhan.
Others hope the spot will bring something completely different to the Village Center dining options.
“Chipotle would definitely be the best addition to our Village Center. I would go there every single day if we had one,” says sophomore Colin Purdue.
These differing opinions show that while students are sad to see Subway go, many are also excited about the possibility of something new and fresh taking its place. As junior Roman Garrigues puts it, “It’s sad to lose a place we all knew, but maybe this will bring something better for us.”
Although the closing of Subway marks the end of a familiar place to grab food, it also opens the door for something new. Whether it becomes another sandwich shop, a chain like Chipotle, or something completely different, the empty space is a chance for the Village Center to have a fresh and exciting option. For now, students, families, and residents can only wait to see what will take its place.