Quiznos, others coming to Tahlequah

Locals say, “Mmm... Toasty!” to news of the popular sandwich chain’s moving to town.

By JOSH NEWTON

TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — A popular sandwich restaurant chain is moving into the Tahlequah market.

Tahlequah City Building Inspector Joe Williford said nothing final has been submitted to his office for the Quiznos.

“I’ve heard they were going to go in that building behind Walgreens,” said Williford, “but I haven’t seen any plans.”

But Cochran Real Estate owner and broker Amy Cochran confirmed Monday that Quiznos will be moving into the new center east of Walgreens, which is being leased by Cochran. That, she said, should be happening “pretty quick.”

According to the Quiznos Web site, the chain is “a little bit different” when it comes to making sandwiches.

“Think all subs are equal?” the Web site asks. “Horseradish! Toasting is a wake up call for flavor! We’ve been toasting fanatics since the first day we opened our doors.”

Quiznos offers premium meats sliced fresh daily; melted cheeses; signature sauces; and toasted artisan bread.

Officials from Quiznos did not immediately respond to an information request Monday. However, Quiznos’ Web site says it is has more than 5,000 stores in the U.S., and is looking for over 1,000 new locations.

Right next door to the future Quiznos, AT&T is opening a new retail store. The phone company’s logos were being placed on the side of the building Tuesday afternoon.

AT&T retail stores offer a variety of services, including phones and accessories, as well as packages and deals for service.

And while Cochran didn’t want to go into any detail about future possibilities due to lease agreements and other issues, she did confirm Tahlequah will soon be seeing new business moving into the landscape.

“There’s stuff coming,” said Cochran. “There’s quite a bit of stuff in the works right now.”

Down on South Muskogee, Pam Benge is preparing to open a new gift store, Harvest Moon.

“It’s going to be primitive – you know, gift stuff, stationary, floral, just different things,” said Benge.

She hopes to be ready for business by Sept. 1, but that date could change. Hours will be Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 203 S. Muskogee.

Also down on South Muskogee, Lollipop Kids opened its doors Aug. 2.

“We have children’s clothing and gifts,” said owner Stacie Baker.

Items include wooden toys, baby items, and clothing up to size 10 for girls and 8 for boys. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

A sign advertising America’s Choice Home Furnishings has gone up in the former E-Z Mart location on South Muskogee. Contact information could not be found, but an Internet search shows other locations in Sallisaw and Arkansas.

While many parts of Tahlequah are growing, one local business remains on a list for closure.

Tahlequah’s Starbucks was listed as one of approximately 600 stores nationwide expected to close by March 2009.

Exact dates were not released, but employees were to be notified before the public, according to Starbucks officials.

A spokeswoman with the company on Tuesday said there is no new information to share on the expected closure date.

“The timing of specific store closures depends upon a number of factors, and we will not be able to confirm an exact date,” the spokeswoman said.