By OLIVER GOOD

Staff writer

Although it seems like the Carlsons have a lot of work left to do before the restaurant’s grand opening, diners could be able to feast on sandwiches at the new Subway in Marion by the end of April if all goes according to plan.

“The tentative opening date is April 23,” Linda Carlson said Monday. “But we still have to install all of the décor. We ordered it today and should receive it in two weeks. It should take about one week to install it all once it gets here.”

They chose the décor from among different “Subway Packages” that include all of the kitchen equipment and appliances, as well as all of the tables, chairs, and interior decorations.

“The service counter is going to be at the back of the restaurant,” Greg Carlson said. “It will have a big mural on the wall behind it. When I first saw it I thought it looked like the Marion Courthouse but I believe they call it a Tuscany design.”

He said there would be tables by the windows and a series of booths in the center of the main room between the front door and the service counter.

Mitch Carlson said there would also be a preparation and storage room on the west side of the building and the handicapped accessible bathrooms would be on the east.

Ceiling and tile floor still both need to be installed, as do lights, bathroom fixtures and interior doors. However, remodeling has progressed quickly .

Chase, Greg, and Mitch all took part in demolition before carpenters came to install the framing, which only took day. Drywall and mudding only took a weekend to complete.

“We tried to get as many local guys involved as we could, but for the installation of the décor we went with Stanhope Builders because they have installed about 90 percent of the Subway décor in Kansas,” Linda Carlson said.

Greg and Linda also recently traveled to Milford, Conn., to complete two weeks of training about the Subway franchise.

“We learned the rules, regulations, and philosophy behind it all in the classes,” Greg said. “We also had on-the-job training in a store near the beach.”

Greg said the Subway manual had every answer to every question but he had the most fun in the store during rushes of customers.

“From the time a customer places and order, three minutes is all you got to get them through checkout,” he said. “You really have to move and you have got to know your portion sizes.”

Linda said that the kitchen was designed to streamline customer service.

Instructors also emphasized the importance of fresh ingredients, Greg said.

Chase, who will manage the store, has been in charge of hiring. He said several part-time positions have been filled but there are still a couple of openings. He has also completed online tests and will complete a week of training before the restaurant opens. Mitch will also complete online classes.

“When we open, a certified trainer from Wichita will come and work with all of our employees,” Linda said.

Although store hours have not yet been set and will likely vary throughout the week, Linda said they would include breakfast hours and be open later in the evening to accommodate spectators after sporting events.