Port of Subs® Accelerates Growth in the Pacific Northwest with New Locations and Partnerships

Port of Subs® Expands in Washington

Port of Subs®, a well-known neighborhood sandwich franchise, is making significant strides in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington State. The company is ramping up its expansion with several new locations and a robust development plan that aims to enhance its presence in the region.

New Locations

Port of Subs® has just cut the ribbon on a brand new establishment in Spokane, marking the beginning of a 10-unit development deal that stretches across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. This initiative comes under the leadership of Regional Developer Ben Pearson, a native of Eastern Washington with a strong background in the U.S. Navy and over a decade of experience at Grant PUD. His flagship Spokane location is outperforming initial store performance expectations, paving the way for more outlets in key locations including the Tri-Cities and Coeur d'Alene.

In addition to the Spokane store, Port of Subs® is broadening its reach in Seattle with plans to open its first location at the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) by Spring 2026. This venture will be led by U.S. military veteran Rod O'Neil, who has partnered with Jerry Whitsett, an operator known for success in high-volume airport locations. Their experience reflects the brand’s dedication to excelling in non-traditional spaces, a critical step as they aim to welcome millions of new travelers through one of the nation’s busiest airports.

Commitment to Quality

Pearson's excitement for the Port of Subs' business model stems from the brand's focus on fresh, high-quality sandwiches and strong support for franchisees. He believes strongly in building deep connections with local communities, as he plans to expand Port of Subs’ footprint further into cities like Walla Walla and Ritzville.

"The emphasis that Port of Subs places on quality and consistency resonates with my values as a business leader," Pearson noted. His focus on delivering an excellent customer service experience will be pivotal as he creates a strong neighborhood-driven atmosphere in the Inland Northwest.

Expansion Vision

The upcoming Sea-Tac location is not just an expansion—it's a strategic move aimed at appealing to travelers in a busy airport setting. The partnership between O'Neil and Whitsett showcases a teamwork-oriented approach that was born from their shared military background. They aim to integrate their discipline and high standards into the operation of the new restaurant, capturing the attention of millions of potential customers.

Healey Mendicino, President and CEO of Port of Subs®, expressed his enthusiasm about the timing of this growth phase. “With a new 10-unit development deal in Washington, a record-breaking start in Spokane, and Sea-Tac’s location on the horizon, we are at a pivotal moment for our expansion in the Pacific Northwest,” he stated. By deepening their roots in Seattle, Mendicino views this as a prime opportunity to bring additional neighborhood sandwich options to loyal guests who have supported Port of Subs® for over two decades.

A Unique Franchise Model

Port of Subs® prides itself on its unique model that empowers Regional Developers to operate as self-sufficient local extensions of the brand. This promotes growth while maintaining cohesion within the franchise's overarching mission. With over 50 years in the sandwich-making business, supported by the growth engine Area 15 Ventures, Port of Subs® provides franchisees with essential operational, marketing, and technological support, setting them up for scalable success.

Whether in traditional restaurants or more casual settings like food courts, Port of Subs® continues to emphasize a community-first approach founded on core values and a relationship-driven culture. The brand looks forward to expanding its offerings throughout Washington, continuing to bring its fresh and high-quality products to new neighborhoods across the Pacific Northwest. For more information about Port of Subs® and franchising opportunities, visit www.portofsubs.com.