Subway has returned to Te Atatū after a decade, and has been welcomed back with strong support from the local community.
Subway's return to Te Atatū has been met with an enthusiastic response from the local community, marking a successful first week for husband-and-wife franchisees Dhaval and Nehal Patel as they open their third Auckland restaurant at 543 Te Atatū Road.
The new restaurant is the first Subway to open in Te Atatū in more than 10 years, with locals turning out to welcome the much-loved brand back to the area.
For the Patels, the successful launch represents the latest milestone in a journey that began 13 years ago when they took on their first Subway restaurant.
The couple, who moved to New Zealand in 2000, built their careers in retail before pursuing a shared dream of business ownership. Today, they proudly own and operate Subway Eden Quarter, Subway Glenfield Mall and now Subway Te Atatū.
"We've always worked hard and wanted to build something of our own," said Patel.
"When the opportunity to own a Subway came up 13 years ago, it felt like the perfect fit."
Their connection to the brand started long before they became owners.
"There was a Subway near my workplace and it was always our favourite place to eat," he said.
"We loved the fresh food, the smell of the bread and cookies, and the fact everyone could create something they enjoyed."
The strong community response has reinforced the family's belief that Te Atatū was ready for Subway's return.
"There hasn't been a Subway in Te Atatū for a long time, so seeing the support from local customers has been incredibly rewarding," said Patel.
"We've taken everything we've learned over the years and poured it into this restaurant, and it's been great to see the community embrace it."
The new restaurant has also created local employment opportunities, with the couple prioritising local hiring and community connections.
Adding to the family feel of the business, the couple's eldest daughter, currently in her second year of university, is also helping out in the restaurant, having grown up working alongside her parents.
"Subway has become a big part of our family's story," said Patel.
While opening a third restaurant is a significant achievement, the entrepreneurial couple are already looking ahead.
"We're really proud of what we've built so far, but we're always asking ourselves what's next," said Patel.
"One day we'd love to open a fourth restaurant."
The successful launch marks not only the return of Subway to Te Atatū, but another chapter in a family business built on hard work, community connection and a passion for serving great food.
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