Steamer’s is dead, long live Quiznos

The regular line-up at the new Quiznos in Herb 'n Market is a stark contrast to the often neglected Steamer's. Photo: Samara Hawkins

The opening of Quiznos in Herb ‘n Market this semester marked a new player in Mount Royal University’s hunger games, and it’s been well-received by patrons.

“It is a better option than a lot of the other places to eat at MRU,” said Kysha Moradel-Takaguchi, an applied non-profit studies major.

“Being in the Herb it is a lot closer than Wyckham and Subway’s line is too damn long.”

The opportunity for Sodexo to acquire a Quiznos franchise was a bittersweet business decision for Brent Mann, the general manager for Sodexo at MRU, as it meant replacing Steamer’s Deli-Dog.

“Steamer’s was the little guy I created conceptually, so it was disappointing for me to lose that,” he said.

Mann attributes the success of Quiznos to its brand name, citing the demographic at Mount Royal is largely brand driven, and a little competition for the providers of meals on campus is healthy.

“Competition is good,” Mann said. “We’ve got a good relationship with the vendors in Wyckham House and it was a great opportunity to get a Quiznos, which is the number one competitor for Subway.”

Thus far, Quiznos has fared well on campus, and has even turned a slight profit despite the extra costs in opening, training new employees and managing foot traffic in the area.

“Our growth from Steamer’s to Quiznos was probably 200 per cent, but it wasn’t a big jump,” Mann said.

The general reputation of hot dogs may have been a factor in Steamer’s demise as well. The price point at both Steamer’s and Quiznos are essentially the same, but Steve Johnson, a general management major, believes he is getting more for his money.

“I find it difficult paying premium price for a tube of pink shit,” Johnson said. “At least Quiznos gives you a variety of legitimate meats to put on your sandwich.”