By By Adam Prestridge
Eating fresh in Poarch won't be a problem in the coming months.
Monday, Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Council Treasurer Arthur Mothershed announced that a Subway restaurant would be built in between the existing Bingo Palace and the new 20,000 square foot gaming facility currently under construction.
"We're going to build it, but Linda Fleming will own the franchise and run the operation," Mothershed said. "We hope to have it open by Feb. 24 when the new gaming facility opens."
The restaurant will be approximately 600 square feet and will be similar to a restaurant located in a food court at a mall. There will be no seating in the restaurant, which will offer a full menu, but Mothershed said designated dining areas will be located on either side of the sandwich shop in the Bingo Palace and the new facility.
"We looked at a couple of different kiosk plug-ins," Mothershed said. "Their (Subway's) ability to react quickly and us not having to assume any of the franchise fees ourselves was appealing."
PCI Gaming debated on whether to operate the Subway internally, but believed it to be advantageous to have outside ownership.
"Initially we talked about operating the deli ourselves as we've always done, but we looked at the cost of operating these as opposed to the benefits. Financially, it made more sense for us someone to have else come in and operate the food franchise, have them pay us a percentage and be offer our customers another amenity."
Fleming is owner the Subway restaurant on Lindberg Avenue in Atmore and the Subway located in the Diamond B.P. gas station in Poarch. According to Subway.com there are currently 25,020 Subway restaurants scattered throughout 83 countries. With a planned construction timetable of about 20 days, the new Poarch location could be store No. 25,021.
Mothershed said the Subway will be beneficial to PCI Gaming is several ways.
"The benefit immediately to us will that will be able to offer a new style food service," he said. "We'll also be able to focus more in on our gaming operation since we have an outside operator."
Construction is expected to begin on the restaurant next week.