Quiznos shuts down Akwesasne location

Customers heading to the First Americans IGA for a toasty Quiznos sub in the past two weeks were deeply disappointed: The franchise is gone from the store.

David Staddon, spokesperson for the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (which owns IGA) said there was a franchise issue that resulted when the tribe took over ownership of the store two years ago.

Quiznos franchises are not transferable, Staddon said, and the chain would have required a new owner to obtain new licenses and buy all new equipment.

A former IGA Quiznos employee said the store received notice last month that they were to cease operations by the end of June and that no part of the Quiznos logo could be displayed anywhere. Even the carpets with the Quiznos logo were therefore removed and all signage was removed as well.

Staddon said that Charlie Biggs Chicken, IGA’s other franchise, has similar regulations forbidding name transfers. However the store is working with them to prevent closure of that business as well.

In the Quiznos space IGA has developed their own food outlet that resembles Quiznos. Customers even have the option to have their sub toasted. Staddon said new items are going to be added to the menu.