Quiznos

{{Short description|American fast food chain}} {{Use American English|date=February 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}} {{Infobox company | name = Quiz Holdings, LLC | logo = Quiznos Logo.svg | logo_size = | type = Private | genre = Fast food | fate = | trade_name = Quiznos | predecessor = | successor = | foundation = {{start date and age|1981}} | founder = Jimmy Lambatos | defunct = | location_city = Denver, Colorado | location_country = United States | location = | locations = {{ubl|class=nowrap|148 {{small|(United States)}}|183 {{small|(International)}}|331 {{small|(Total)}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Number of Quiznos locations in the United States in 2021|url=https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Quiznos-USA/|access-date=September 9, 2021|website=ScrapeHero|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />}} | area_served = North America, Europe, South America, Middle East, Asia | key_people = Tim Casey (CEO)<ref name=nrn-2016jul>{{cite news |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/tim-casey-named-quiznos-ceo |title=Tim Casey named Quiznos CEO|newspaper=Restaurant Business Online |date=January 4, 2019 |first=Jonathan |last=Maze |url-access=subscription }}</ref> | industry = Restaurants | products = Submarine sandwiches, Salads, other food products | services = | revenue = {{US$|170 million}} (2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/top-500-chains-2018/quiznos|title=Quiznos|website=Restaurant Business}}</ref> | operating_income = | net_income = | aum = | assets = | equity = | owner = High Bluff Capital Partners | num_employees = | parent = REGO Restaurant Group | divisions = | subsid = | homepage = {{URL|quiznos.com}} | footnotes = | intl = }}

'''Quiz Holdings, LLC''', doing business as '''Quiznos''', is an American franchised fast-food restaurant based in Denver that specializes in offering toasted submarine sandwiches. It was founded in 1981 by Jimmy Lambatos and sold to Rick and Richard Schaden ten years later. It then grew to nearly 5,000 restaurants; by 2013, Quiznos was the second-largest submarine sandwich shop chain in North America, behind Subway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303722104579240194214517248 |title=Crisis Quickens at Quiznos |date=December 6, 2013 |access-date=April 21, 2015 |first=Julie |last=Jargon |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref> It filed for bankruptcy in 2014; by 2016, it had dropped to ninth place,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/2016-top-500-sandwich-chains |title=2016 Top 500: Sandwich Chains |date=June 21, 2016 |access-date=December 9, 2018 |last= |newspaper=Restaurant Business Online}}</ref> and the number of Quiznos locations in the United States fell from a 2007 high of 4,700 to just 400 a decade later.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Debra |date=September 7, 2018 |title=The real reason why Quiznos is disappearing across the country |url=https://www.mashed.com/132827/the-real-reason-why-quiznos-is-disappearing-across-the-country/ |access-date=July 29, 2020 |publisher=Mashed.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Maze |date=June 13, 2018 |title=A brief history of Quiznos' collapse |url=https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/brief-history-quiznos-collapse |access-date=July 29, 2020 |website=Restaurant Business}}</ref>

==History== ===Early history=== thumb|right|The first Quiznos Subs restaurant The first Quiznos restaurant was opened in 1981 in Denver, Colorado, by founder Jimmy Lambatos and his partner, Todd Disner. Lambatos was an experienced chef, having worked as an executive chef for the Colorado Mine Co. Steakhouse and founded the Italian restaurant Footers in 1978.

The first location was at the corner of 13th and Grant Streets in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of the city; it featured special baguette-style bread, special dressings, and unique recipes.<ref name="Jenkins">{{cite news |url=http://www.semissourian.com/story/87927.html |first=Kevin |last=Jenkins |title=Quizno's fills niche between fast, fine dining |date=September 12, 2002 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |newspaper=Southeast Missourian}}</ref> Lambatos said of his decision to toast the submarine sandwiches at the first Quiznos that, "it's a signature type of thing. Heating anything brings out the flavors in food products."<ref name=Sweeney>{{cite web |first=Patrick |last=Sweeney |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2003/02/17/story5.html?page=all |newspaper=Denver Business Journal |access-date=October 31, 2013 |title=Briefs spot puts Quiznos founder in the public eye |date=February 16, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7-WcKK01H1cC&q=First+quiznos+restaurant&pg=PA586 |title=Fast Food and Junk Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat, Volume 1 |page=586 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |first=Andrew F. |last=Smith |year=2011 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=9780313393938}}</ref> In addition to submarine sandwiches, the menu included salads, soups, and desserts.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4jIOEZ5F9fAC&q=Encyclopedia+of+Junk+Food+and+Fast+Food+Quiznos&pg=PA225 |page=225 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |year=2006 |title=Encyclopedia of Junk Food and Fast Food |first=Andrew F. |last=Smith |publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780313335273}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Kyle |last=Wagner |date=February 20, 2004 |title=System not a go at all Quiznos |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100DA9D4425C6425&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-access=subscription |newspaper=Denver Post |pages=FF-09 |id={{ProQuest|410750742}} |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=July 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305021533/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DP&p_theme=dp&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=100DA9D4425C6425&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Expansion=== 280px|left|thumb| Quiznos availability as of 2025 by country{{legend|#aeff00ff|Current locations}}{{legend|#f0888bff|Former locations}} In 1983, the restaurant started offering franchises to facilitate expansion,<ref>{{cite book |page=354 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oETQVR2nTE8C&q=First+quiznos+restaurant&pg=PA354 |title=Creating the Enterprise |year=2008 |publisher=Cengage Learning |first1=William B. |last1=Gartner |first2=Marlene G. |last2=Bellamy |name-list-style=amp |isbn=9780324353631 |access-date=November 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUlkxjpxnVwC&q=Quizno%27s+sub+1983&pg=PT243 |title=220 Best Franchises to Buy: The Essential Sourcebook for Evaluating the Best Franchise Opportunities |publisher=Random House|access-date=October 28, 2013 |author1=The Philip Lief Group |first2=Lynie |last2=Arden |name-list-style=amp |year=2010 |isbn=9780307432117}}</ref> under the name Quiznos American, Inc. By 1987, 12 Quiznos restaurant locations were operating in the United States. In the same year, Rick Schaden, at the age of 23, and his father, aviation attorney Richard Schaden, opened their first Quiznos franchise in a Boulder, Colorado, shopping center. They opened three additional restaurants before purchasing the 18-restaurant chain from the founders in January 1991. They renamed it the Quiznos Franchise Corp. Rick Schaden became the president and then CEO of Quiznos after the purchase.

Quiznos was taken public in February 1994, with an initial public offering of 1,000,000 shares of stock at $5 per share, resulting in a $4.4 million yield. By the end of 1995, Quiznos had 103 different locations.<ref name="Jenkins" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADSB&s_site=azstarnet&f_site=azstarnet&f_sitename=Arizona+Daily+Star%2C+The+%28AZ%29&p_multi=ADSB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EACE5EACA3F9589&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=Young sub mogul dives into Tucson waters: Quiznos CEO, 31, is captain of 103-deli chain |access-date=October 31, 2013 |date=December 18, 1995 |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |first=Bob |last=Christman |page=7D |url-access=subscription |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604041553/http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=ADSB&s_site=azstarnet&f_site=azstarnet&f_sitename=Arizona+Daily+Star,+The+(AZ)&p_multi=ADSB&p_theme=gannett&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EACE5EACA3F9589&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=TNTB&d_place=TNTB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F11B7E15AC877AC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM |title=A Sub Attack: Sandwich Entrepreneur Plans To Open 53 Restaurants In Region |date=September 21, 1995 |newspaper=Tacoma News Tribune |access-date=October 31, 2013 |first=Graham |last=Fysh |page=E1 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="avi">{{cite web |author= |date=February 10, 2005 |title=Quiznos launches health club chain |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2005/02/07/daily64.html?jst=b_ln_hl |access-date=October 31, 2013 |work=Denver Business Journal}}</ref><ref name="ref">{{cite web |url=http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/19/The-Quizno-s-Corporation.html#ixzz2jtkCqkS5 |title=The Quizno's Corporation: Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on The Quizno's Corporation |publisher=Reference for Business |access-date=October 31, 2013 |author= |date=}}</ref>

In 1997, Quiznos became the number-three submarine sandwich franchise in the world, with 278 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The company again went private in June 2001 by the Schaden family who owned 60% of the public company shares.<ref name="ref" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Quiznos Franchise Overview |url=https://www.franchising.com/quiznossub/ |access-date=2025-12-29 |website=www.franchising.com}}</ref> In 2005, the company partnered with Ray Wilson to open a new chain of fitness clubs called 123 Fit.<ref name="avi" /> At its peak in 2007, there were more than 5,000 Quiznos franchise locations.<ref>{{cite book |last=Munk |first=Nina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lF8vezXqSawC&q=Quizno%27s+Rick+Schaden&pg=PT114 |title=The Idealist: Jeffrey Sachs and the Quest to End Poverty |publisher=Random House |year=2013 |isbn=9780385537742 |access-date=October 31, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Sealover" />

Until 2005, the Coca-Cola Company was the primary soft drink supplier for the franchise. In 2003, Coca-Cola signed an exclusive agreement to provide soft drinks to the competing Subway franchise to take effect two years later;<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2003-12-03 |title=Coke in, Pepsi out at Subway |url=https://chiefmarketer.com/coke-in-pepsi-out-at-subway/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Chief Marketer |language=en-US}}</ref> Quiznos responded with signing an exclusive deal with PepsiCo (except in Canada and on college campuses that have exclusive deals with Coca-Cola) and Dr Pepper Snapple Group (to serve Dr Pepper) to take effect the same year as Subway's switchover.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=August 29, 2004 |title=Quiznos makes switch from Coca-Cola to Pepsi |url=https://www.deseret.com/2004/8/29/19847487/quiznos-makes-switch-from-coca-cola-to-pepsi/ |newspaper=Deseret News |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2004-08-31 |title=Coke Out, Pepsi In at Quiznos Sub |url=https://www.chiefmarketer.com/coke-out-pepsi-in-at-quiznos-sub/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Chief Marketer |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2019, Quiznos switched back to Coca-Cola products, ending its 14-year relationship with Pepsi.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=quiznos |number=1164933477713580034 |date=August 23, 2019 |title=Is your cup holder looking sad and lonely? Cheer it up: We have Coca-Cola again! Come fill up for a summer drive. Bonus points if you put a sub in your second holder. |url=https://twitter.com/quiznos/status/1164933477713580034 |access-date=November 8, 2020 |website=Twitter}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=August 13, 2019 |title=Quiznos Owner Signs Exclusive Deal with Coca-Cola |work=QSR |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/quznos-owner-signs-exclusive-deal-coca-cola |access-date=November 8, 2020}}</ref>

===International expansion=== thumb|right|Quiznos' logo prior to 2022 The first location in Canada (and outside of the United States) opened in Vancouver in 1996.<ref name=cnw-2008aug05>{{cite press release |url=http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/242005/quiznos-sees-quebec-restaurant-break-national-first-week-sales-record |title=Quiznos sees Quebec restaurant break national first week sales record |work=Canada NewsWire |date=August 5, 2008 |author= |access-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711185816/http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/242005/quiznos-sees-quebec-restaurant-break-national-first-week-sales-record |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 1998, Quiznos Canada acquired the master franchise rights to Quiznos restaurants in Canada, as well as the master rights in the United Kingdom in 1999.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} Glenvista Enterprises then acquired the rights for several states in Australia.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} KMN USA LLC acquired the franchise rights for Japan, opening its first location in early 1999.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

The first European location opened in 2001 in Peterborough in England.<ref name="nn-2001mar11">{{cite news |url=http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/72813/quiznos-begins-european-launch-uk-openings |title=Quizno's begins European launch with UK openings |magazine=Market Magazine |date=March 11, 2001 |author=}}</ref>

In 2002, Wendy's acquired the rights to the brand for franchises in Australia and later in New Zealand but was unsuccessful in launching the chain in either country.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/bitter-lesson-in-quiznos-affair/story-e6frgafx-1111114210762 |newspaper=The Australian |title=Bitter lesson in Quizno's affair |date=August 31, 2007 |first=Peter |last=Switzer}}</ref> Quiznos opened a handful of Australian locations until in 2007 they were shut down by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for providing fraudulent information to their franchisees.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-obtains-franchise-fee-refund-for-quiznos-franchisees |title=ACCC obtains franchise fee refund for Quizno's franchisees |date=August 7, 2007 |website=Australian Competition & Consumer Commission}}</ref> The first location in Mexico opened in Monterrey in 2002.<ref name="dbj-2002nov07">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2002/11/04/daily47.html |title=Quizno's opens first Mexican restaurant |work=Denver Business Journal |date=November 7, 2002 |author=}}</ref>[[File:Quiznos Alabang.jpg|thumb|One of the first Quiznos branches in the Philippines]]In 2010 the chain said it planned to expand, opening locations in over 40 countries and territories, including Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Central and South America by 2012.<ref>{{cite news |author= |date=November 2, 2010 |title=Quiznos planning to open shops in Kuwait |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna39971159}}</ref>

The first location in India opened in Hyderabad in 2011,<ref name="toi-2011dec09">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food/food-reviews/Quiznos-opens-first-store-in-India/articleshow/9756846.cms |title=Quiznos opens first store in India |newspaper=Times of India |date=December 9, 2011 |first=Abhishek |last=Raje}}</ref> followed by the first location in the Philippines opened in 2012.<ref name="abs">{{cite news |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/09/18/12/quiznos-open-first-ph-restaurant-next-week |title=Quiznos to open first PH restaurant next week |website=ABS-CBN News |date=September 19, 2012 |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309213125/http://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/09/18/12/quiznos-open-first-ph-restaurant-next-week |archive-date=March 9, 2016}}</ref>

In July 2013, the company planned to expand into Russia, looking to open about 500 stores.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pankratz |first=Howard |date=July 26, 2013 |title=Denver-based Quiznos opens in Russia, plans 500 restaurants there |newspaper=Denver Post |url=http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23736964/denver-based-quiznos-opens-russia-plans-500-restaurants}}</ref> A November 2013 article reported that "Following its most recent international successes in Mexico, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, Quiznos will bring toasted sandwiches to Indonesia with the signature of PT Quiznosindo as the brand's newest franchisor. The group, led by Tan Po Lian, plans to open 100 units in Indonesia over the next 10 years...Expansion into Singapore, South Korea, the Philippines, and Indonesia is part of Quiznos' continued international development plan to open more than 1,000 international stores in more than 40 countries by 2020."<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=November 20, 2013 |title=Quiznos Thrives in Asian Markets |url=http://www.qsrmagazine.com/news/quiznos-thrives-asian-markets |access-date=December 12, 2013 |magazine=QSR}}</ref>

In 2013, Quiznos opened its first two locations in Russia during the same weekend in St. Petersburg.<ref name="dp-2013jul26">{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/ci_23736964/denver-based-quiznos-opens-russia-plans-500-restaurants |title=Denver-based Quiznos opens in Russia, plans 500 restaurants there |newspaper=Denver Post |date=July 26, 2013 |first=Howard |last=Pankratz}}</ref> In 2014, Quiznos opened locations in Iraq and Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quiznos expands into Middle East, Asia |first=Dan |last=Berthiaume|url=https://chainstoreage.com/operations/quiznos-expands-middle-east-asia |website=Chain Store Age |date=October 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128211325/https://chainstoreage.com/operations/quiznos-expands-middle-east-asia |archive-date=November 28, 2020}}</ref>

Quiznos opened its first Taiwan location in Taipei<ref name="ct-2014sep03">{{cite news |url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140903000026&cid=1206 |title=Quiznos brings toasted subs to Taipei with trial run |newspaper=China Times |date=September 3, 2014 |author= |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018090534/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20140903000026&cid=1206 |archive-date=October 18, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="tt-2014sep15">{{cite news |url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2014/09/15/2003599728 |title=Taiwan Business Briefs: Quiznos to open 100 stores |newspaper=Taipei Times |date=September 15, 2014 |page=14 |author=}}</ref><ref name="ira-2014sep15">{{cite news |url=http://insideretail.asia/2014/09/15/quiznos-targets-100-taiwan-stores/ |title=Quiznos targets 100 Taiwan stores |website=Inside Retail Asia |date=September 15, 2014 |author=}}</ref> and also its first United Arab Emirates location in Abu Dhabi<ref>{{cite news |url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/fdedaeaf-aef2-4457-8d1b-8c1247c224e2.aspx |title=Quiznos opens first outlet in the UAE |newspaper=Gulf Today |date=September 28, 2014 |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306141123/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/fdedaeaf-aef2-4457-8d1b-8c1247c224e2.aspx |archive-date=March 6, 2016}}</ref><ref name="kt-2014sep27">{{cite news |url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data%2Fuaebusiness%2F2014%2FSeptember%2Fuaebusiness_September415.xml&section=uaebusiness |title=Quiznos opens first outlet in UAE; seven more this year |newspaper=Khaleej Times |date=September 27, 2014 |author= |access-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-date=October 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021052557/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data%2Fuaebusiness%2F2014%2FSeptember%2Fuaebusiness_September415.xml&section=uaebusiness |url-status=dead }}</ref> in September 2014. Quiznos exited the Taiwan market in July 2018 based on a post on the Quiznostaiwan Facebook page.

Quiznos also operated restaurants across Ireland by Supermac's. Today all of these have been replaced by Supersubs and the only remaining Quiznos is located in Dublin.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/business/retail-and-services/goodbye-to-education-and-hello-to-mr-chips-1.584189|title=Goodbye to education and hello to Mr Chips|publisher=The Irish Times|first=Úna|last=McCaffrey|date=April 29, 2011|access-date=June 13, 2020}}</ref>

===Restructuring=== Between 2007 and 2009, 1,000 Quiznos stores in the United States closed.<ref name="TCD">{{cite news |title=Quiznos activates strategy to bounce back |first=Denise |last=Trowbridge |url=http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/07/13/quiznos-activates-strategy-to-bounce-back.html?sid=101 |newspaper=Columbus Dispatch |date=July 13, 2010 |access-date=August 1, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722172446/http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/07/13/quiznos-activates-strategy-to-bounce-back.html?sid=101 |archive-date=July 22, 2010 }}</ref> After the closure of around 2,000 restaurants during the Great Recession, a majority stake in the company was purchased by Avenue Capital Group of New York in January 2012. In the purchase, about one-third of the company's $900 million debt was eliminated, and about $150 million in cash was added to the company's balance sheet."<ref name="Sealover">{{cite web |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/print-edition/2012/05/18/quiznos-strives-to-be-better-than-ever.html?page=all |work=Denver Business Journal |title=Quiznos strives to be 'Better Than Ever' |date=May 18, 2012 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |first=Ed |last=Sealover}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19593686 |title=Struggling Quiznos sandwich chain working with creditors on debt restructuring |newspaper=Denver Post |agency=Dow Jones Newswires|date=December 21, 2011 |author=}}</ref> Avenue Capital Group brought on turnaround specialist Harsha V. Agadi as Quiznos executive chairman.<ref name="Harden">{{cite news |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2012/02/21/quiznos-names-executive-chairman.html?page=all |title=Quiznos names executive chairman, board members; CEO will stay on |date=February 21, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |work=Denver Business Journal |first=Mark |last=Harden}}</ref> They also brought on Stuart Mathis as CEO, the former president of The UPS Store, who said that the company would try to counteract shrinking sales by promoting the quality of its food.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nrn.com/latest-headlines/quiznos-ceo-outlines-strategies-moves-ahead |title=Quiznos CEO outlines strategies, moves ahead |date=October 16, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2013 |work=Nation's Restaurant News |first=Lisa |last=Jennings}}</ref>

===Bankruptcy=== On March 14, 2014, Quiznos filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado. Quiznos said it would continue operating while it restructured its debt and made operational improvements.<ref name="wsj-2014mar14">{{cite news |url=https://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140314-709888.html |title=Quiznos Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection -- 2nd Update |newspaper=Wall Street Journal |date=March 14, 2014 |first=Jacqueline |last=Palank |access-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314235427/http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20140314-709888.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="bn-2014mar15">{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-03-14/quiznos-follows-sbarro-into-bankruptcy-court.html |title=Quiznos Follows Sbarro Into Bankruptcy Court |newspaper=Bloomberg News |date=March 15, 2014 |first1=Dawn |last1=McCarty |first2=Leslie |last2=Patton |name-list-style=amp |access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref> Quiznos emerged from bankruptcy on June 30, 2014, having reduced its debt by approximately $400 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/quiznos-emerges-bankruptcy |title=Quiznos Emerges from Bankruptcy |agency=Associated Press |access-date=August 20, 2014 |date=July 1, 2014 |author= |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821091309/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/quiznos-emerges-bankruptcy |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Post-bankruptcy=== On December 1, 2015, Quiznos opened a concept restaurant called Quiznos Grill,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nrn.com/fast-casual/new-quiznos-grill-concept-debuts-part-turnaround-plan |title=New Quiznos Grill concept debuts as part of turnaround plan |date=December 2, 2015 |publisher=Nation's Restaurant News |first=Lisa |last=Jennings |work=Nation's Restaurant News }}</ref> hoping to re-brand its products and increase menu offerings. Initial reviews of this restaurant highlighted the high price (US$20) once items were added to the sandwich (vegetables, cheese, etc.) or meal (chips, drinks, etc.). In late 2016, the Quiznos Grill concept was abandoned and relaunched as Zeps Epiq Sandwiches. Some Quiznos Grill sandwiches remained on the menu, while vegetarian choices, salads, all-day breakfasts, and loaded tater tots were added.<ref name="Westword Zeps Epiq">{{cite web|title=Quiznos Grill Switches to Zeps Epiq Sandwiches|url=http://www.westword.com/restaurants/quiznos-grill-switches-to-zeps-epiq-sandwiches-8600087|website=Westword|date=December 15, 2016|access-date=October 20, 2017}}</ref>

On June 11, 2018, Quiznos announced that it had been acquired by California-based High Bluff Capital Partners. The chain did not move its headquarters.<ref name=":0">{{cite news|url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/06/11/quiznos-bought-by-california-company/|title=California company buys Quiznos, but Denver-born sandwich chain to keep its HQ local, new owner says|last1=Rubino|first1=Joe|date=June 11, 2018|work=Denver Post|access-date=June 18, 2018}}</ref> The company's REGO Restaurant Group announced a new prototype in 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coley |first=Ben |date=March 8, 2021 |title=A New Era Arrives at Quiznos |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/exclusives/new-era-arrives-quiznos |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=QSR magazine |language=en}}</ref> the first of which opened in Hobbs, New Mexico.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coley |first=Ben |date=August 1, 2022 |title=The Quiznos of Tomorrow Has Arrived |url=https://www.qsrmagazine.com/exclusives/quiznos-tomorrow-has-arrived |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=QSR magazine |language=en}}</ref> The company's new Qube format, pre-fab drive-thru units, fit on smaller parcels, can have better unit economics than traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants, and are cheaper and faster to build.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Guszkowski |first1=Joe |date=December 15, 2022 |title=A former Quiznos franchisee comes back to the brand |url=https://restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/former-quiznos-franchisee-comes-back-brand |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Restaurant Business |language=en}}</ref>

As of December 6, 2023, 145 Quiznos restaurants remained in the United States, down from 176 in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Number of Quiznos locations in the USA in 2023 |url=https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Quiznos-USA/ |website=ScrapeHero |access-date=January 4, 2024 |language=en }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Number of Quiznos locations in the United States in 2022 |url=https://www.scrapehero.com/location-reports/Quiznos-USA/ |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=ScrapeHero |language=en}}</ref>A partnership with Nebraska gas station chain Pump & Pantry in 2022 has resulted in four successful locations, and plans to open six more<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trivedi |first=Dhruv |date=2026-02-14 |title=The Once-Popular Sandwich Chain Pushing For A Comeback |url=https://www.mashed.com/2096536/quiznos-pushing-for-comeback/ |access-date=2026-03-29 |website=Mashed |language=en-US}}</ref>.

==Advertising== The company's first major advertising push was a successful advertising campaign during the 2002 Super Bowl. Early TV spots advertised the innovation of toasting sandwiches, as compared to the inventor of pants (humorously contrasted with men wearing bushes).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/money/index/2002-04-29-quiznos.htm |title=Quizno's doesn't hold back in ads |first=Michael |last=McCarthy |date=April 30, 2002 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=October 31, 2013}}</ref> One commercial in 2003 depicted a man (played by Jim Parsons) who had been "raised by wolves" by suckling at a mother wolf's teat.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/latest-columns/20111212-mimi-swartz-jim-parsons-is-my-texan-of-the-year.ece?nclick_check=1 |first=Mimi |last=Swartz |title=Jim Parsons is my Texan of the Year |newspaper=Dallas News |access-date=October 31, 2013 |date=December 12, 2011}}</ref> Other promotions include an early 2004 campaign featuring bizarre, rodent-like, singing creatures called Spongmonkeys, edited by Joel Veitch,<ref name="spongmonkey-ad">{{cite news |first=Seth |last=Stevenson |author-link=Seth Stevenson (journalist) |title=The Creatures From the Sandwich Shop |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2095868 |magazine=Slate |date=February 23, 2004 |access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref> as well as a series of Quiznos commercials in Canada featuring hockey commentator Don Cherry.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/438735708 |title=Burke's bites a relief from Cherry flavour |date=September 6, 2004 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |newspaper=Toronto Star |first=Chris |last=Zelkovich |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305023957/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/doc/438735708.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS%3AFT&type=current&date=Sep%206%2C%202004&author=Chris%20Zelkovich&pub=Toronto%20Star&edition=&startpage=&desc=Burke%27s%20bites%20a%20relief%20from%20Cherry%20flavour |id={{ProQuest|438735708}} |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2005, Quiznos launched a campaign featuring Baby Bob.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/The-Insider-Baby-Bob-lands-on-his-feet-with-1164275.php |title=The Insider: Baby Bob lands on his feet with Quiznos gig |date=January 16, 2005 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |newspaper=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |author=}}</ref>

In June 2006, Quiznos revealed its new slogan: "Eat Up."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/quiznos/ |title=Dipping Quiznos sandwiches isn't this hard |date=April 1, 2011 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |work=Ad Week |first=David |last=Kiefaber |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807035919/http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/quiznos/ |archive-date=August 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Ads nationwide feature a Quiznos sub with steam emanating from it with the tagline, "Mmmm... toasty." Actor Michael Clarke Duncan formerly provided the voiceover for all Quiznos commercials.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.chron.com/entertainment/article/Quiznos-bread-bowls-good-to-the-last-crumb-1879653.php |title=Quiznos bread bowls good to the last crumb |first=Ken |last=Hoffman |access-date=October 31, 2013 |date=January 12, 2006 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080128/BIZ/801280334 |title=Redefining Quiznos |date=January 28, 2008 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |newspaper=Fort Wayne Journal Gazette |first=Sandy |last=Shore |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422140111/http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20080128%2FBIZ%2F801280334 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On September 18, 2006, Quiznos launched the most aggressive advertising campaign aimed at Subway. Dubbed the "Prime Rib Cheesesteak Challenge," customers were asked to compare the brand new Prime Rib Cheesesteak against Subway's Cheesesteak sandwich. The claim is that the Prime Rib Cheesesteak has twice the meat of Subway's Cheesesteak. If the customers are not satisfied, then they can fill out a form, mail the form along with their receipt, and they will receive a coupon for a free sandwich.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/150432/group/Life/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131212232700/http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/150432/group/Life/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |title=Quiznos Launches New Double Cheese Cheesesteak Sub with "Beefed" Up |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |newspaper=Duluth News Tribune |author= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=23UpAAAAIBAJ&pg=3276,231656&dq=quizno's+prime+rib+cheesesteak+challenge&hl=en |title=Quiznos launches aggressive ad campaign against rival Subway |newspaper=Herald-Journal |date=October 1, 2006 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |page=E6 |author=}}</ref> In subsequent advertisements, Quiznos was shown competing with the fictional "Wrong Way" restaurant based on competing restaurants.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fastcasual.com/article/105959/Quiznos-intros-Peppercorn-Parmesan-Turkey-sandwich |title=Quiznos intros Peppercorn Parmesan Turkey sandwich |date=April 16, 2007 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |work=Fast Casual |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213002433/http://www.fastcasual.com/article/105959/Quiznos-intros-Peppercorn-Parmesan-Turkey-sandwich |archive-date=December 13, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2016, the company launched its mobile-based loyalty program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hospitalitytech.com/quiznos-debuts-toasty-points-loyalty-app|title=Quiznos Debuts Toasty Points Loyalty App|work=Hospitalitytech.com|date= October 4, 2016}}</ref> This app was aimed at rewarding Quiznos' most loyal customers and to gather customer feedback to improve product and operations.

===Mascots=== In 2004, Quiznos started using fuzzy-looking creatures called the Spongmonkeys (which were designed by Joel Veitch) in their advertising commercials. One plays the guitar, and the other sings "We Love the Subs" in an apparent and shorter spoof of their original song, "We Like the Moon." Several commercials with the Spongmonkeys were released, including ones about rejoice and coupons. However, after a few months, Quiznos discontinued airing the commercials.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

On July 17, 2023, Quiznos announced the return of the Spongmonkeys after almost two decades with a new advertisement (again created and voiced by Veitch) in which they go on a road trip, singing about "the gas prices and public restrooms and the creepy billboards".<ref>{{Cite web |last=McCarthy |first=Amy |date=July 18, 2023 |title=The Spongmonkeys, Fast Food's Most Unhinged Mascots, Are Back |url=https://www.eater.com/23797910/quiznos-spongmonkeys-unhinged-mascots-are-back |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=Eater |language=en}}</ref> The new campaign comes as part of Quiznos' effort to expand again after their decline in the 2010s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spongmonkeys Return - Quiznos |url=https://www.quiznos.com/spongmonkey/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |website=www.quiznos.com |archive-date=July 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230718221931/https://www.quiznos.com/spongmonkey/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Lawsuits and controversies== Quiznos has been the target of several lawsuits related to its treatment of franchisees, including lawsuits in New Jersey and Wisconsin.<ref name="NYT" /> It has faced more lawsuits from franchisees than bigger chains, such as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and even its sandwich competitors Subway and Blimpie, according to an analysis by the legal research firm Thomson West. In February 2007, Quiznos franchisees filed a lawsuit seeking class-action status in Michigan.<ref name="NYT" /> One lawsuit (filed in New Jersey and seeking class-action status) said that the astounding growth record of Quiznos was merely a mirage. In 2003 and 2004, Quiznos said it sold 234 "trade areas" in New Jersey to franchisees, collecting the $25,000 franchisee fee, but none of these locations ever opened, according to the lawsuit.<ref name="NYT" /> Three years after handing over her check for the fee, Elisa Whitehall said that she had yet to open a Quiznos in the location she bought and that Quiznos refused to return the fee.<ref name="NYT" />

One lawsuit cited a memorandum drafted by a Quiznos lawyer in 2003 that stated, "40 percent of Quiznos units are not breaking even," a fact that prospective franchisees say they were never told.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |title=When Disillusion Sets In |first=Julie |last=Creswell |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/24/business/24quiznos.html |newspaper=New York Times |date=February 24, 2007 |access-date=August 1, 2010}}</ref> The United States Small Business Administration said 23.4 percent of Quiznos franchises with SBA loans failed. In contrast, Subway had a 4.8 percent failure rate.<ref name="TCD" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/national-govt-politics/taxpayers-paid-13b-to-cover-bad-business-loans/nXC8j/ |title=Taxpayers paid $1.3B to cover bad business loans |date=April 6, 2013 |access-date=October 30, 2013 |first1=Lynn |last1=Hulsey |first2=Ken |last2=McCall |name-list-style=amp |newspaper=Dayton Daily News}}</ref>

Fredrick N. Westerfield ran three Quiznos in Wisconsin as a single example of an unprofitable franchise. After spending $14,000 in personal savings to keep the stores running, he realized he had a debt of $750,000. He closed all his stores in 2005. "Customers used to come into the store and say to me, 'You must be rolling in the money,{{' "}} recalled Mr. Westerfield. "If they only knew."<ref name="NYT" />

In 2002, the ''Seattle Times'' reported that the company initially ignored the plight of a Quiznos employee who took over operations of one Quiznos store after the true owner abandoned it.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holt |first=Shirleen |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002170453_quiznos04.html |title=Fast-food shop owner takes off, employees take over |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=February 4, 2005 |access-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref> Months later, the store was closed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Holt |first=Shirleen |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20050324/quiznos24/manager-who-never-quit-sees-quiznos-store-shut |title=Manager who never quit sees Quiznos store shut |newspaper=Seattle Times |date=March 24, 2005 |access-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref> In June 2004, the Quiznos at Downtown Crossing, Boston, was at the center of a hepatitis scare.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3473271/detail.html |title=Hundreds Show Up For Quiznos Hepatitis Clinic |work=WCVB-TV – The Boston Channel |date=June 29, 2004 |author= |access-date=January 6, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155259/http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3473271/detail.html |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2006, Quiznos sent letters to 300 franchises saying mystery shoppers would be coming to test their services. The company sued franchise owners Richard Piotrowski and Ellen Blickman for not putting enough meat in a prime rib sandwich. Piotrowski and Blickman countersued and won the lawsuit in 2009. Judge Morris Hoffman called the meat-weighing exercise and subsequent termination letters a "charade" aimed at bolstering a national ad campaign against rival Subway.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/9658180/Order-After-Trial |title=Quiznos v. Zig Zag Restaurant Group |publisher=Scribd |date=December 31, 2008 |access-date=June 28, 2011 |author=}}</ref><ref name="DBJ">{{cite news |title=Quiznos loses case over treatment of franchisee |first=Renee |last=McGaw |url=http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/01/12/story9.html |newspaper=Denver Business Journal |date=January 9, 2009 |access-date=August 1, 2010 |author=}}</ref>

On November 27, 2006, Bhupinder Baber, franchise owner of two Quiznos locations in Long Beach, California, died by suicide after a legal battle with the company.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.denverpost.com/mobile/ci_4842595 |newspaper=Denver Post |first=Kristi |last=Arellano |title=Quiznos fires 8 franchisees |date=December 15, 2006}}</ref> In his suicide note, Baber said that the way he was treated by Quiznos drove him to suicide.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2006/1215/20061215_010137_BZ15_QuizSuicideNote.pdf |title=Bob Baber Suicide note |publisher=MediaNews Group |first=Bob |last=Baber |date= |access-date=April 4, 2009 |archive-date=April 10, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410040147/http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site36/2006/1215/20061215_010137_BZ15_QuizSuicideNote.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The Toasted Subs Franchisee Association (TSFA), a group of franchisees, posted Baber's suicide note on its website, and intended to raise money for Baber's family. Quiznos attempted to terminate the TSFA's franchises.<ref name="ps">{{cite journal|title=Disenfranchised: Why Are Americans Still Buying Into the Franchise Dream?|journal=Pacific Standard|volume=March/April|date=2014|url=https://psmag.com/disenfranchised-why-are-americans-still-buying-into-the-franchise-dream-be302a668dd4|access-date=July 23, 2016}}</ref> The TSFA in turn filed an injunction on December 15, 2006, in the District Court of Colorado.<ref name="fastcasual">{{cite web|title=Quiznos franchisees fight back|url=http://www.fastcasual.com/news/quiznos-franchisees-fight-back/|website=Fast Casual|publisher=Networld Media Group|access-date=July 23, 2016|ref=fastcasual|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723174108/http://www.fastcasual.com/news/quiznos-franchisees-fight-back/|archive-date=July 23, 2015 |date=December 14, 2006|author=}}</ref> A 2014 article in the ''Long Beach Post'' suggested that the factors that contributed to Baber's suicide also led to the parent company's bankruptcy in 2014.<ref name=lbp-2014mar28>{{cite news |url=http://lbpost.com/business/2000003510-quiznos-bankruptcy-may-have-roots-in-long-beach-franchisee-s-suicide |title=Quiznos Bankruptcy May Have Roots in Long Beach Franchisee's Suicide |newspaper=Long Beach Post |date=March 28, 2014 |first=Sarah |last=Bennett|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330055022/http://lbpost.com/business/2000003510-quiznos-bankruptcy-may-have-roots-in-long-beach-franchisee-s-suicide}}</ref>

As of July 1, 2010, Quiznos was close to a settlement over the multiyear class-action lawsuit covering nearly 10,000 of its current and former franchisees. The case comprises four separate class-action lawsuits dating back to 2006 which consolidated in 2009—involved allegations by attorneys for franchisees that Quiznos Franchise Co. LLC and other entities with ownership or control of the Quiznos chain had violated U.S. racketeering and corruption statutes. Also at issue were the supply chain and food costs, marketing and advertising funds, and disputes among franchisees that agreed to, but did not open, locations and whether royalties are owed. Quiznos denied all claims made in the lawsuits, and the settlement agreement involves no finding or admission of liability. Nonetheless, the cost to Quiznos has been estimated from $100 to $200 million while also forcing it to implement a new business plan "which puts more support into its franchisees".<ref>{{cite web |last=Tice |first=Carol |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/as-lawsuit-settlement-nears-quiznos-and-franchise-owners-need-to-hug-it-out/ |title=As Lawsuit Settlement Nears, Quiznos and Franchise Owners Need to Hug it Out |publisher=CBS MoneyWatch |date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Liddle |first=Alan J. |url=http://www.nrn.com/article/quiznos-class-action-case-close-settlement |title=Quiznos class-action case close to settlement |publisher=Nation's Restaurant News |date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=June 28, 2011}}</ref><ref name=lbp-2014mar28 />

==See also== {{portal|Companies|Food|United States|Colorado}} * List of submarine sandwich restaurants {{clear}}

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{sister project links|auto=yes}} * {{Official website|http://www.quiznos.com/}} {{Fast-food chains of the United States|state=collapsed}} {{Food chains in South Korea}} {{Authority control}}

Category:Companies based in Denver Category:Restaurants established in 1981 Category:1981 establishments in Colorado Category:Fast-food chains of the United States Category:Submarine sandwich restaurants Category:Multinational food companies Category:Restaurants in Denver Category:Private equity portfolio companies Category:Fast-food franchises Category:1994 initial public offerings Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2014 Category:2018 mergers and acquisitions Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq