It goes deeper than the Sub: How this family-operated Subway is changing what restaurant ownership looks like

Tucked away in a small plaza in Smyrna is one of the best sandwich shops I’ve visited. Each and every time I go in, I am met with warmth and kindness, as if I came to a family member’s house to pick up some lunch. My sandwich is made perfectly, regardless of the number of modifications or ingredients, without fail. The people of the community emphatically talk to each other about how amazing this restaurant is. And you’d be surprised to know that it’s actually a Subway. But, what makes this Subway particularly special is not only the perfectly crafted sandwiches, but the people who make it work.

I have wanted to write about this Subway for a very long time. I was curious about what made it so different from the other Subways I had been to in the past. Typically, when I go to Subway, the employees are unenthused and sometimes rude, or I have to settle for a sandwich that was almost made correctly but never satisfying. Something about this Subway was unique and special. Still, I just couldn’t put a finger on what set it apart until I went in there for my usual Footlong turkey sub with all the works and a strip of honey mustard on top and learned through conversation that the woman making my sandwich was the owner’s mother. Thus, the first piece to my puzzle. This is a Black-owned, family-operated Subway. But I needed to know more, so I asked to interview the owner. I needed to understand exactly what makes this Subway run the way it does.

A few days later, I was sitting across from the owner, Marquis M. Moye’, a dedicated, young Black man from Michigan doing his part in building his community and creating generational wealth for his family. This was one of the most empowering and inspirational conversations I’d had in a very long time. 

When I asked Moye’ about what set them apart from other Subways, his answer was simple yet very sweet: “It just took kindness and caring to really turn it around,” he said. The store is highly family oriented. They have a small crew, but their love for each other is large. They get daily tips and develop new employee incentive programs to help them feel recognized and seen. He supports his younger employees by teaching them about credit and giving them pointers on ways to save money. Moye’ even said he takes a pay cut to ensure his employees get paid well. 

They are planning to grow their crew in the springtime, so Moye’ is making a point to train his current employees on how to be leaders and train the potential hires so they can carry on the values the crew currently holds.

But let’s go back to how this all started. Moye’, graduating high school during the recession, took an interest in finances. Luckily, his father knew a banker and was able to help Moye’ learn all he needed to know about building credit and saving. When faced with the decision to either graduate high school and go to college or save up to own an establishment, he chose the latter. From there, he worked as a banker, saving and building until he was ready to buy the Subway four years ago. Coming from Michigan, he set his sights on Atlanta since he knew he’d fit right in, given the city’s reputation as a mecca for Black business.

Of course, I was curious if he faced any obstacles trying to buy into Subway, and he said it was smooth sailing for him. The person who helped him pave the way to owning it was a Black woman who helped him with resources and knowledge. When asked about her, Moye’ said, “She (saw) my aspiration and helped me along and made sure I actually got in the door.”

After hearing about his experience, I was curious if other black Subway owners were also in the area. So when I asked Moye’ about it, he said, “I came in in 2018. And it seems like after I came in, it was a big wave of young 30 year old Black owners. So I can say it’s probably four to five young Black owners that I know of. And right up the street, there’s an older Black lady. So it’s a nice handful of African American stores. And I think it’s because Subway has a reasonable franchise start-up cost.”

Another Black woman is standing behind him as well: his mother. His mother manages the store, and when asked what it’s like to work with his mother, he said, “We have had some challenges. But the store wouldn’t be what it is without her, and she puts a lot into it. She’s putting some of her own aspirations aside to make sure we have a solid foundation. So, without her, we wouldn’t have the [reputation] that we have.”

I think there’s a lot to be said about Marquis Moye’ and the barriers he is breaking. He is redefining what it means to be an owner. Rather than operating out of greed, he operates out of love, kindness and pure intention. Of course, we all want to make money for ourselves, but I think Moye’ sets the bar high. He wants to feed the hearts, minds and souls of the people of the community and create something that can set his family up for success for many years to come. He isn’t selling sandwiches. He’s feeding the community. There’s a big distinction to be made between the two. And I have my thoughts and opinions about the American Dream (that’s an article for another time), but I think Moye’ is a shining example of what the American Dream really is. He has to grind to create the life he wants and does it with humility, kindness and mutual respect. He gives back to the community rather than takes. And he ensures that the time spent within those yellow and green branded walls is valuable for the people working for him. And I think that is what makes all the difference. It’s easy to rally behind someone who would cut themselves short to make sure others have what they need. 

If you want to visit this special Subway, pay them a visit at 822 Concord Rd, Smyrna, GA 30080.