Beloved sandwich chain and Subway rival closes location and fans hear ‘rumors’ three more branches on chopping block
DINERS weren't surprised when a popular sandwich shop hung up a sign on its door announcing it was shutting down.
Firehouse Subs closed one of its locations in Washington State's Tri-Cities area.
The West Richland restaurant was about two hours away from Spokane.
A sign on the door thanked customers for their support and cited "unforeseen circumstances" as the reason for the closure.
Locals were sure that the restaurant's prices were to blame, though.
"Overpriced and has been for a long time," commented one Facebook user on a post announcing the closure.
read more on closures
"The one in Spokane is way overpriced! Cheaper to go to Jersey Mike's," wrote another.
A third customer said the restaurant priced itself out of the market.
"It's sad to see people out of work, but the food was overpriced," they added.
Residents of the Tri-Cities voiced concerns about more Firehouse Subs closures.
Most read in Money
"Rumors are that the other three locations in the Tri-Cities will be closing in the next couple weeks," wrote the original poster in the Everything Tri-Cities Facebook page.
MORE CLOSURES TO COME
Starbucks announced it would close a location in nearby Western Seattle.
The cafe at at 2742 Alki Avenue will shut on August 11.
There was immediate backlash from customers, who started a petition to keep it open.
“The Alki Beach Starbucks is more than just a coffee shop; it's a central gathering place for our community,” the petition states.
“It provides a space for friends to meet, families to connect, and neighbors to come together."
The Starbucks location boosts the local economy by attracting visitors who then go to nearby business, the petition says.
Closing shop
Customers found out about the Firehouse Subs closure via a sign taped to the door, which read:
"Firehouse Subs is now closed!
We want to thank our community for your support.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are closed!
Thank you again! We will miss you!"
“Its closure will create a void felt by many, especially remote workers who use it as a hub to take a break from their home offices," it continues.
Petitioners argued that the location was "vital" to the community and begged Starbucks to keep it open.
Unfortunately, Starbucks has stood by its decision to shut the store.
The retail industry is also facing closures.
Read More on The US Sun
Big Lots announced that 40 locations are closing and launching clearance sales.
In a similar fashion, Stop & Shop announced 32 underperforming stores will shut.