Quiznos Is Back And So Are Spongmonkeys
Last year, sandwich chain Quiznos began franchising again for the first time in over a decade. This resulted in new restaurants popping up and with approximately 100 agreements in place…

Last year, sandwich chain Quiznos began franchising again for the first time in over a decade. This resulted in new restaurants popping up and with approximately 100 agreements in place for franchises. With the announcement this summer that their weird spongmonkey characters will return, it is safe to say Quiznos is making a comeback.
To better understand where Quiznos is going in 2023, let's look back at where this popular sandwich chain has been the past decade.
In 2018, Restaurant Business reported that Quiznos had reduced from 4,700 stores to less than 400. Around this time, High Bluff Capital Partners acquired Quiznos. They were more interested in the passionate fanbase that was still cheering this toasted sandwich chain on, as opposed to "what happened?"
This is where the team went back to the drawing board to design what we are seeing unfold incrementally now.
Quiznos 2.o
“We are honored to lead the brand into this exciting growth phase and are inspired by the loyalty of our fans, some of whom drive miles to reach a restaurant while many others cry out “bring Quiznos back," Quiznos CEO Tim Casey said in a recent press statement.
So, what will be new?
The makeover in this strong attempt at a comeback first includes an entirely new operating model. However, the brand is also committed to the core values that made Quiznos sandwiches unique in the first place. "The chain has a new look, a new model, and plans to open dozens of stores over the next year," Eater reported. These updates include testing a drive-thru model.
QSR recently detailed what the new interior look would entail. This is a black, gray, and neon green color scheme. The kitchen design has also been completely revamped. "Whereas back-of-house was previously focused on the toaster, the new design incorporates a flat top grill and deep fryer, allowing Quiznos to explore a bigger, globally inspired menu," QSR explained.
Lastly, there's one other important element to this new era of Quiznos making a comeback.
Spongmonkeys
The unofficial mascot of Quiznos first appeared in a 2004 commercial. "A new digital ad campaign will feature the two creatures, shaped like small rodents but with human-like buggy eyes and teeth," Business Insider explains.
What's different now about the spongmonkey campaign is there is less "what is that?" curiosity. The angle is to now to lean in more into their uniqueness. In fact, in addition to an official Quiznos "Return of the Spongmonkeys" video, they also have an official theme song on Spotify.
You can preview the new Quiznos menu here. It includes their classic sandwiches, melts, and sammies. There are also specials under the "deal of the day," soups, and kid meals.
New Locations
If you are interested in checking out Quiznos' comeback, you have a few options. In late 2022, a 30-store development was announced. There are also nine locations in Florida. Also last year, Quiznos also began franchising again for the first time in over a decade. To find a full list of open Quiznos restaurants, visit their find a location page.
10 Classic Ben & Jerry’s Flavors Inspired by Celebrities
Ben & Jerry's has been a freezer section staple for decades and rightfully so. The ice cream brand has stood out among its competitors thanks to its unique flavors and pint packaging designs.
Ben & Jerry's has also been at the forefront of partnering with and honoring a number of celebrities over the years. In fact, the first celebrity-inspired flavor they ever launched was Cherry Garcia in 1987. Cherry Garcia, of course, was a nod to legendary Grateful Dead co-founder/singer/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Jerry Garcia.
Most of the Ben & Jerry's celebrity collaborations have had charity partnerships, which further supports the brand's reputation for activism. Many charities have benefitted from these partnerships, which we explore below.
In honor of Jerry Garcia's birthday today (August 1), here are ten classic Ben & Jerry's flavors inspired by celebrities. Grab a spoon and dig into our list!
Jerry Garcia

American rock band The Grateful Dead in concert, circa 1970. From left to right, drummer Bill Kreutzmann, lead singer Jerry Garcia and bassist Phil Lesh. (Photo by Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Stephen Colbert

NEW YORK - MARCH 05: A giant container of Stephen Colbert's new ice cream called AmeriCone Dream by Ben & Jerry's during a celebration for the launch of the new ice cream at the Dream Hotel on March 05, 2007 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
Ron Burgundy

NEW YORK - JUNE 30: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actor Will Ferrell as "Ron Burgundy" from his new film "Anchorman" appears on stage during MTV TRL Times Square Film Festival Week at the MTV Times Square Studios June 30, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Elton John

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 19: Elton John performs during the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at Smoothie King Center on January 19, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images)
Willie Nelson

ST LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 04: Willie Nelson performs during Farm Aid 2009 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on October 4, 2009 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Monty Python

NEW YORK - MARCH 17: The original members of Monty Python Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam and John Cleese attend the opening night of "Monty Python's Spamalot" at the Shubert Theatre March 17, 2005 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Getty Images)
John Lennon

1st June 1971: Singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon (1940 - 1980), previously of the now defunct pop group The Beatles, at London Airport. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Queen

September 1976: British rock group Queen at Les Ambassadeurs, where they were presented with silver, gold and platinum discs for sales in excess of one million of their hit single 'Bohemian Rhapsody', which was No 1 for 9 weeks. The band are, from left to right; Brian May, John Deacon (standing), Roger Taylor and Freddie Mercury (Frederick Bulsara, 1946 - 1991). (Photo by Ian Tyas/Keystone/Getty Images)
Phish

NEW YORK - MARCH 15: (L-R) Musicians Page McConnell, Jon Fishman, Trey Anastasio and Mike Gordon of Phish attend the 25th Annual Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Waldorf=Astoria on March 15, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Jimmy Fallon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 01: Jimmy Fallon speaks onstage during the American Museum of Natural History's 2022 Museum Gala on December 01, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for American Museum of Natural History )