Which Wich, the chain that boasts custom-made sandwiches and encourages customers to doodle on their order bags, is opening in Virginia Beach next month.
Franchise owner Bijal Patel, who opened his first location in Williamsburg in August 2014, said he will open his second restaurant in early May at 348 Laskin Road. He’s just getting started — Patel said he will have 10 Which Wiches in Hampton Roads by 2020.
“I’m not nervous at all,” Patel said Monday. “I’m fully capable and I’m confident that we have a good thing going here.”
Hiring of 25 to 30 workers is underway for the 2,050-square-foot Laskin Road spot. Patel said he and his team have been picky about their location. He originally planned to open his first Which Wich in Virginia Beach but couldn’t find a good enough spot.
He said he signed a 10-store agreement with the company’s corporate office last year and paid $225,000 in franchise fees in a deal that allows him to open stores in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg and York County.
Patel, who has two investors, said it costs between $350,000 and 400,000 to open a Which Wich. Red Mills Commons and Town Center are among the Beach locations under consideration for future locations. His broker is working with developers in the area to vet new shopping centers and areas of growth.
“We feel Virginia Beach is big enough that we could possibly put four or five locations just in the city,” he said.
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