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Subway franchise coming to the Towers
The C3 convenience store located in the Towers is in the process of being expanded to add a new Subway, its expected to open in November. (Charlotte Bodak/Staff Photographer)
Students living in the Towers this fall will soon have another dining option to enjoy.
Central Michigan University has elected to renovate the C3 Convenience Store and add 700 square feet of space to accommodate a Subway franchise.
John Fisher, associate vice president for Residences and Auxiliary Services, said Campus Dining has been in discussions for about a year about bringing in another nationally-recognized brand. Starbucks, Papa John’s Pizza, Quiznos and Einstein Bros. Bagels can already be found on campus.
“We wanted another option for the 2,000-plus students that live there during the academic year,” Fisher said. “There have been thoughts about fast food chains, but they were able to obtain a Subway franchise through corporate. It’s a good one, because it’s popular with students.”
Fisher said CMU paid approximately $50,000 for franchise rights. The university will also be tied to paying royalty fees based on annual sales and installation expenses, which could reach “a couple thousand dollars,” he said.
The Subway is part of a much larger, expansive renovation project. In addition to spending more than $50,000 for the name brand, CMU has budgeted $810,000 for the renovation and expansion of the C3. The improved convenience store will include an all-new look, from equipment to displays.
Linda Slater, director of Planet Engineering and Planning, said her department is working with Auxiliary Services and Aramark, CMU’s food supplier, “to increase and upgrade the quality of the retail space.” The project is currently out for construction bids, Slater said.
The target date to have the new C3 and Subway open by is Nov. 1 after site issues resulted in university officials getting a late start on the project, Fisher said.
Fisher said officials also had discussions with Jeff LaPoe, owner of the several Mount Pleasant Subway locations, who inquired about the new franchise. LaPoe did not return a phone call Monday seeking comment.
“His concern was how we were going to use it,” Fisher said. “He was fine after he learned how we were going to use it.”
Fisher said the Subway location will not be considered a retail location, and will only likely cater to students in the Towers.
“We won’t really get the on-campus traffic. That’s not really our intent,” he said. “We’re excited about having a Subway on campus because it is a popular franchise with students. I look at it another option for students, and one that is probably seen in a favorable light.”
With the additional space, Fisher also anticipates the need to hire additional students to fill shifts.
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8 Comments
You mean only the Towers students are the only ones who can access this Subway location? I like Subway too, and I’m livin’ in the east halls, you mean I can’t use that location? That’s not fair.
It is open to anyone who wants to come in. I think they are just saying that they will not avertise to pull in people off campus because then there would be traffic issues etc.
how much is it going to cost for a 5 dollar footlong?
Chick-Fil-A would have been a better choice. There’s no place in Mt. Pleasant to get a good chicken sandwich and waffle fries. They also do a lot of charity work. You can get a Subway anywhere. Oakland University has a Chick-Fil-A, I believe….plus other universities around the country. We would have people coming from all over to get a sandwich and fries….which would have generated a lot of revenue for CMU. CMU should bring a Chick-Fil-A to campus!
I wonder why Michmediaperson wants a Chick-Fil-A all of a sudden? Hmmmm. He talks about mindless liberal drones, but yet he’ll spout off the latest conservative hot term like it’s from a word of the day calendar. Looks like he may be trying to jockey himself in a staff writing position for Fox News.
Side note: I love Chick-fil-A sandwiches, they are mighty tasty.
Kevin, I was reading the editorial section of the liberal Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times today and they are wanting a Chick-Fil-A in one of the neighborhood wards.
Even, the left-wing Obama-supporting Sun-Times columnist wants one there.
Mike Huckabee had the CEO on his show last Saturday on Fox. So, there seems to be a bi-partisan agreement, liberal and conservative media people who love Chick-Fil-A.
Why not bring one to CMU. We’d have people pulling off 27 and 20 to get a chicken sandwich. There are a zillion places you can get Subway.
It’s seldom you can get the socialists on the left and the capitalists on the right to agree on something. But, everyone loves Chick-Fil-A. I see they are on some Big Ten campuses.
Why not CMU?
When I travel the country, that’s where I eat lunch since they’ve got the best chicken sandwiches. Plus, they treat their employees really well. They close on Sundays so people can go to church. Great billboards. A good corporate company to work for.
I was really impressed with Mr. Cathey on his business philosophy and how to treat customers.
Chik-Fil-A has been noted for being strongly against gay marriage. CMU puts that in, people think CMU is anti-gay. Good choice on Subway over Chik-Fil-A.
FUN FACT!
[There are more subways in this town than any other fast food chain!]
[and The Crab is Fake]