Odessa, Texas – After a period of several months with half of the city’s Subway outlets shuttered, four locations have swung their doors open again. The most recent reopening took place at 604 E. 8th Street, just steps from Odessa Regional Medical Center, giving nearby residents a familiar quick‑meal choice.
Why the closures occurred
Earlier this year, the death of longtime local franchisee David Turner prompted the temporary shutdown of eight Subway restaurants. Turner, who passed away on March 3 at age 59, had owned and operated 11 Subway sites over a 32‑year career, and eight of those were under his direct ownership at the time of his death.
Progress toward full service
Since Turner’s passing, franchisee Nathan Notley – who previously ran three Subway locations in the Odessa area – has overseen the reopening effort. Within the past two and a half months, four of the closed restaurants have resumed operations, marking a steady return to the market.
Work behind the scenes
According to the franchise’s press release, getting the restaurants back online required extensive repairs, securing permits, and hiring and training new staff. The effort reflects a broader commitment to restore Subway service throughout Odessa and to honor Turner’s legacy of providing affordable, made‑to‑order sandwiches to the community.
New jobs for local residents
The reopenings have also generated new employment opportunities. The franchise announced that each location is hiring crew members, offering entry‑level positions that can serve as a stepping stone for young workers and those seeking stable, hourly wages.
Franchisee’s outlook
“It’s been a long process, and there have certainly been challenges along the way,” Notley said. “But we believe in Odessa, we believe in these locations, and we’re committed to providing our customers with the food and service they expect. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we’re not finished yet.”
Community impact
Local residents have welcomed the return of the 8th Street store, noting that the sandwich shop offers a convenient, family‑friendly dining option. The reopening aligns with Odessa’s broader economic recovery efforts, as small businesses across the city work to rebound from pandemic‑related disruptions and other setbacks.
Looking ahead
While four restaurants have reopened, the franchise continues to evaluate the remaining closed sites. The goal is to eventually bring all former Turner‑owned locations back into operation, further expanding job prospects and reinforcing the city’s dining landscape.
For those interested in employment, each reopened Subway location is accepting applications on‑site and online through the company’s career portal.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
