Quiznos is preparing to launch a new restaurant prototype this year and has introduced a rebranding for the 500-unit sandwich chain, company executives said this week.
The Denver-based quick-service sandwich brand, owned by Rego Restaurant Group, expects to prototype to roll out later this year, including added equipment such as flat-top grills and fryers.
“The Quiznos brand transformation includes several new physical and visual expressions of the rebrand — most notably a reimagined Quiznos logo, which was last updated in 2001,” said Mark Lohmann, Rego’s president. “Additionally, a new restaurant prototype will start to be rolled out in 2021.”
“Our primary branded websites, Quiznos.com and Quiznos.ca, will also be redesigned and rebuilt later this year as part of a series of changes designed to contemporize the Quiznos brand and emphasize our best-in-class, premium sub sandwich offerings,” Lohmann said.
Tim Casey, CEO of Rego Restaurant Group, which also owns the Taco Del Mar brand, said the first prototype is expected to open in New Mexico in July.
“We are partnering with one of our best and highest-performing franchisees,” Casey said, “and we are incredibly excited to see how the new design performs in this market.”
A “handful” of Quiznos units currently have drive-thrus, Casey added, “but we expect that number to grow steadily in the coming years as, going forward, we view that as a core element of the Quiznos brand.”
Lohmann said the new equipment will allow for expansion of the Quiznos menu.
The Quiznos prototype design includes new equipment such as flat-top grills and fryers.
“We have several current ideas in testing phase,” Lohmann said. “The flat-top grills and fryers will be used for both sandwich and non-sandwich items that will add flair and an entertainment factor for dine-in guests, as well as an enhanced aroma.”
Casey said the rebranding for Quiznos, a franchise system, will be in phases.
“Our franchisees are the backbone of this brand and, because we are committed to this strong group, we will offer flexibility in both timing and scale of the rebrand roll-out,” he said. “It will be a phased roll-out and will have varied remodel offerings including opportunities to participate without, for example, investing in additional equipment. We want our franchisees to be able to take advantage of the options we’re putting forth to the degree that suits their individual needs as well as their trade area and customers.”
Rego partnered with Austin-based Prophet to conduct consumer surveys, analyze data and refine the Quiznos brand.
Open display cases dominate the Quiznos prototype’s interior. The first prototype is expected to open in New Mexico in July.
Quizno’s, founded in 1981, has locations in the United States and 32 countries.
Rego Restaurant Group is a subsidiary of private equity firm High Bluff Capital Partners, which bought Quiznos in June 2018. High Bluff acquired Taco Del Mar from Franchise Brands LLC in July 2018, and it is also in the Rego Restaurant Group portfolio.
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