New Owner for Subway on West River Drive
Angie Rienks always wanted to be an entrepreneur. She’s getting her chance as co-owner of the Subway restaurant on West River Drive. She now co-owns the franchise with Ron Thebo, who is transitioning from owning Subway restaurants.
“We’re partners now, eventually I’ll take full ownership,” Rienks said. She leans on his expertise on how to run her store. She worked for Thebo part time at other Subway locations while working full time at a bank.
“If I have a question or idea, I’ll run it by him (Thebo),” Rienks said. “I want to use his experience and go with it.”
She likes the larger size and convenient location of the of the Subway on West River Drive. “This is an already established business with all of the equipment. It’s manageable,” Angie said
She is getting to know many in the area including Comstock Park teachers who stop in.
Like many restaurants, one of the biggest challenges is finding and retaining employees. She begged a lot of people to work for her including one of her regular customers. She also hired a high school student who is home schooled and an online high school student. Angie is super flexible about scheduling and recently hired a retiree who wants to work limited hours. She now has 15 employees.
“I like to make them feel important,” Angie said, noting many former employees want to come back. “I’m super flexible. If I can keep them happy this helps me and keeps me happy.”
Two of her daughters also work for her and her nine-year-old son is looking forward to helping out when he turns 12.
Despite nationwide supply chain issues, Rienks doesn’t have any majoring ordering issues for Subway. Most deliveries come from Detroit-based U.S. Foods.
It’s busiest at Subway during lunch time on weekdays from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and it becomes very busy at Subway in the summer. Rienks is also getting her name out there for catering to expand the catering side of Subway.
Rienks plans on getting involved in the community and schools and wants her employees to become volunteers too. Last year Subway participated in the Trunk or Treat event in Comstock Park.
“It’s important to be involved,” said Rienks, noting that she recently met with someone from the Comstock Park Rotary.
Angie is a graduate of Grandville High School. The mother of four (Jenna, Julia, Edward and Molly) now lives in Rockford.
Subway hours are Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., closed Sunday.
