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"Nothing is ever new in New York" an exasperated Samantha sighed on an episode of "Sex and the City."  That is probably because Samantha never made her way past the upper East side into Harlem where everything old is new again.

Quiznos Subs is moving into the neighborhood and serving an area that has traditionally been neglected by chain restaurants. Temporary signage has appeared in a vacant store front on 8th Avenue and 135th Street across from Strivers Gardens.  The location is flanked by The Wright Bar and Barbara’s Flowers while a new Duane Reade and Chase bank face them on the opposite side of the street.

Quiznos website claims that the chain is the #1 restaurant chain according to Nation’s Restaurant News and the #2 overall franchaise according to Entrepreneur Magazine.  Despite the rapid growth of the chain, everything hasn’t been all toasty for the company.  There have been reports of problems with the franchaise by owners resulting in excessive turnover. Considering the fact that Quiznos is venturing into unchartered territory on 8th Avenue, in an area with no other franchaises within 10 blocks north to south, is a cause for concern regarding their longetivity and success in the area. 

Perhaps the new owners of the 8th Avenue location opted to rent the smaller space next to local businesses as opposed to the larger, newer space across the street on the ground floor of Strivers Gardens or even the space formerly occupied by A Slice of Harlem on the corner of 135th Street because they are fully aware of the possible risk factors. In any event, the store should anticipate initial success since they will have the distinction of being the only Quiznos in Harlem and they are situated in a location that has the potential for plenty of foot traffic.

The closest restaurants in the area include, Home Sweet Harlem Cafe (facing a possible eviction),  Bamboo Village Chinese Take-out and Yvonne Yvonne Caribbean Take-out.  Quiznos menu includes subs, soups and salads. The lighter fare is a healthier alternative to what is currently available along that portion of 8th Avenue. Located near thriving businesses, a high school, and the B/C subway station, Quiznos should find that Harlem is hungry for the wide variety of tasty, toasted sandwiches.