Quiznos, a sandwich restaurant run by ARAMARK Food Services at Southeastern held their official opening Monday, April 04, 2011, though they actually  opened for business months ago.

In response to the late grand opening Martin Balisteri, Food Service Director, said that Quiznos found it difficult “to coordinate with the University and ARAMARK when we all had a date that was a available for the opening.”

The sandwich chain developed out of a small gas station converted into a dining location in Denver, Colorado in 1978, but made its way to Southeastern’s campus and allowed student entry on Monday Jan. 24, 2011, according to Rebecca Walker, Accounts Payable/Cash Operations employee of campus dining.

It took many staff members of Southeastern and ARAMARK Services in order to develop the event, including Assistant Food Service Director Greg Navarra, who explained Quiznos, was handing out limited items for the days event.

“Basically we had water bottles with coupons available,” said Navarra. “10 of the bottles had a cut cash giveaway.” One hundred bottles were available to diners, 90 for free drinks and 10 for the cut cash giveaway. Aside from the water bottles, Quiznos gave away cookies, sample sandwiches and cupcakes designed into a giant Quiznos logo.

Among the staff that helped with the event was Jayme Dykes, the Campus Dining Marketing Coordinator.

“We promoted [the grand opening] on the doors of Quiznos and on the website,” said Dykes.

Dykes stayed conscious of the location, including local music. “We have a CD from the Southeastern band playing so we try to keep the school spirit,” said Dykes. Some of the tracks playing during the event included “Ants Marching,” “La Suerte de Los Tontos,” “SLU Alma Mater,” “SLU Fight Song” and “Pinball Wizard.”

Students were able to enjoy their meal while listening to Dr. Richard Schwartz, Director of Jazz, play saxophone and Nicole McPherson, instructor of flute, harmonize the once Roomies café but newly installed Quiznos Sub. Several students shared satisfaction and endorsed the dining facility but also preferred a cheaper menu.

“I love Quiznos; I’d eat it everyday if I had the money,” said Carly Sistrunk.  

Quiznos is open Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, 10:30 to 1 p.m.  

More information about Quiznos on campus and campus dining can be found in the ‘dine with us’ link on at http://www.selu.edu/admin/dining/index.html