News Summary
Gateway Subs is celebrating the grand opening of its sixth location in Ellenton, Florida. Founded by three high school friends, the restaurant aims to support local youth athletes by providing nutritious meals through partnerships with schools and Feeding Tampa Bay. The opening event features a ribbon-cutting ceremony and complimentary sandwiches for the first 100 patrons, emphasizing the founders’ commitment to community engagement and support for young athletes.
Ellenton, Florida – Gateway Subs, a new restaurant founded by three high school friends, Grant Strayer, Brandon Ruditz, and Morgan Zook, is set to celebrate the grand opening of its sixth location in Ellenton this weekend. This new establishment will be located at 2215 60th Avenue East, adjacent to the Premium Outlets, marking a significant milestone for the trio who started their venture in 2021.
Gateway Subs aims to distinguish itself from traditional franchise offerings by providing subway sandwiches that feature a unique creative flair. However, the restaurant’s mission extends far beyond serving delicious food. The founders are deeply committed to engaging with the local community and specifically focused on supporting young athletes in the area. Many youth athletic programs often struggle with limited resources; many schools in the region lack the funding necessary to supply pregame meals for their student-athletes.
As part of its commitment, Gateway Subs has forged partnerships with several high schools in St. Petersburg and has collaborated with Feeding Tampa Bay to deliver meals for student athletes and others in need. With the summer months approaching, when school is not in session, the need for such initiatives becomes even more crucial as youth athletic programs continue their workouts. Unfortunately, many students lack access to food when school closures occur. Gateway Subs aims to address this gap, ensuring that local youth athletes have access to nutritious meals during these challenging times.
As an owner and former athlete, Zook emphasized how critical it was for athletes to have good meals to optimize their performance, drawing from his own experiences of competing while hungry. He noted the importance of providing adequate nutrition to support the physical demands placed on students involved in sports. The community will be the top priority for Gateway Subs, which puts service over sales. The founders explicitly state that their goal is not to promote themselves but rather to foster a strong supportive network within Ellenton and its surroundings.
The grand opening event, set for Saturday, features a ribbon-cutting ceremony. As an incentive to draw customers in, the first 100 patrons at the opening will receive a complimentary 6-inch sub sandwich beginning at 11 a.m. This gesture aligns well with the restaurant’s overall aim to promote well-being and community engagement while introducing their unique menu to the public.
Gateway Subs provides a fresh, community-focused dining experience in Ellenton, with a deep-rooted commitment to supporting local youth. Recognizing the challenges facing young athletes and their families, the owners are dedicated to feeding those in the community who most need support, particularly during periods when regular resources may be scarce.
In a time when many families are grappling with food security, Gateway Subs represents a proactive approach to make a positive impact through its service. More than just a restaurant, the establishment aims to be a beacon of support for local youth athletes, addressing immediate nutritional needs while also fostering connections throughout the community.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Gateway Subs Expansion
- Wikipedia: Restaurant
- Fox 13 News: Video Segment
- Google Search: Gateway Subs Ellenton
- Herald Tribune: Sarasota Restaurant Inspections
- Google Scholar: Community Support Restaurants
- Herald Tribune: Community Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Engagement
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