More Zero's Subs Surface in California

Five additional MicroStore locations opening in early 2009, five more later in year Dec. 09, 2008

GLENDALE, Calif. -- AHC/Zero's Subs is opening four new MicroStore concept locations in California by the end of the first quarter, with a fifth under contract. The West Coast franchisor will continue expansion in 2009, with five more locations in the works. The newest location will open inside an existing liquor store on Coronado Island in mid-December. This location, a MicroStore, will be the second Zero's Subs of its kind. The first Zero's Subs MicroStore opened last fall in a gas station convenience store on Route 395 in Olancha, a heavily traveled road between Mammoth Lakes [image-nocss] and Death Valley.

Zero's Subs MicroStore is a concept piloted in just under 300 square feet inside a gas station. Zero's Subs is expanding the concept across the West, beginning with Coronado Island. The opening of the Montebello and Anaheim stores will follow in January. Zeros' Subs franchises, including several multi-unit sales, are under contract in Koreatown, Hollywood, West Los Angeles, Vermont/Silverlake and Pasadena/Glendale.

At Zero's Subs MicroStore locations, franchisees can replace "static food" with made-to-order subs, pizzas and wings, all within minimal existing square footage. By using equipment on hand, owners of businesses such as gas stations, liquor stores, truckstops and convenience stores can generate more income per square foot with minimal time and financial investments, the company said.

"Our MicroStores use existing or off-the-shelf equipment and require no exterior structural changes such as a kitchen hood," said Tracy Taft, Zero's Subs' director of operations. "For a nominal outlay, existing store owners can parlay our nationally recognized brand into increased clientele and invigorated sales. We've seen Zero's Subs triple ancillary item profits."

The MicroStore concept is what attracted Nathan Hiedo, owner of Avenue Liquor on Coronado Island, to open a Zero's Subs inside his store. "My customers will benefit from Zero's Subs fresh and healthy food, and I can capitalize by adding on sales of beverages, chips, snacks and other items...to get new customers in the door," he said.

AHC/Zero's Subs chairman Elizabeth Fitzpatrick added, "Zeros' Subs franchisees get to be their own boss; we allow them to design, build and run their business as it fits into their existing operations," she said.

AHC/Zero's Subs owns the Zero's Subs territory on the West Coast and is headquartered in Glendale, Calif. Zero's Subs is a quick-service restaurant featuring "Hot Oven-Baked" sandwiches, pizza, wings, salads and more. AHC/Zero's Subs is currently implementing a growth plan in California, Arizona and Florida.

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