HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2016-05-11, Page 9Shaun Gregory
From the left, John Hunt, the previous owner of Johnny's Sub & Sandwich Cafe shakes hands with the new
owner, A.J. Zorlu.
Anew facelift to
sub shop in Seaforth
Shaun Gregory
Huron Expositor
The local sub shop in Seaforth
that closed its doors a few
months ago is open once more,
but with a new face behind the
counter.
Johnny's Sub & Sandwich
Cafe had a for sale sign up since
the start of the year. John Hunt,
the previous owner, had a medi-
cal condition he thought at first
was cancer, but thankfully it was
not. However, Hunt still had a
condition that has forced him
out of the restaurant business. It
was a tough decision for the
long-time Seaforth resident and
he told the Expositor in his for-
mer shop, currently being reno-
vated, that he thanks the com-
munity for sticking by his side.
"I had a lot of interest with
people getting it opened up, the
town was phenomenal with
support inquiring about my
health and the store about what
was going to happen in the
future," stated Hunt May 4.
This is a man exclusively
responsible for employing
approximately 400 workers,
through pizza ventures and
other take-out projects for the
last 36 years. In doing so, Hunt's
always had his hands full in the
community. It will be a sad time
for some, since he'll be stepping
away. To aid those missing his
presence, he assures Seaforth
that the new owner will be
guided in the right direction.
Though it may seem as if Hunt
or who others call "Johnny" is
gone, the brand, Johnny's Sub &
Sandwich Cafe will still be plas-
tered across Main Street in
Seaforth.
"He's the sole proprietor, he's
purchased the place from me.
I'm going to be helping him
learn the menu and learn all the
basics of food industry," Hunt
said referring to the new owner.
"I'll introduce him to all the peo-
ple in town. He's not only
bought a store, but he's bought a
family in Seaforth because that's
the way this town is."
Being only 24 -years -old and
jumping into his first business
opportunity, A.J.(Ege) Zorlu said
most would be hesitant, but
with Hunt going above and
beyond, the young Londoner
said he's more than excited to fill
the large shoes that were once
stepped in by such a staple to
Huron East.
"This is John's legacy and the
town has known him for a long
time. I'm going to keep pretty
much everything the same,
(but) I'm going to have some
additions for my taste," said
Zorlu as he was putting the fin-
ishing clean-up touches to the
sub shop.
Currently Zorlu has a graphic
designer working on the new
logo for the front sign. He men-
tioned it will be of his canine
companion Morkie, which is a
cross between a Yorkshire terrier
and a purebred Maltese. The
dog is expected to influence an
"ultimate sub" challenge known
as the "Little Morkie," where
anyone can attempt to eat the
massive sandwich. Those who
can conquer the feat will be
rewarded the food free of
charge.
Hunt credited the new ideas
to his protege, a young man
chasing the same dream he
chased nearly four decades
prior, but added that he told
Morlu to be prepared for some
busy times, specifically between
noon and 2 p.m.
"I'm looking forward to him
seeing that first day. When we're
busy here, they will be lined up
out the door," Hunt said
laughing.
If all goes as planned Johnny's
Sub & Sandwich Cafe is
expected to be open in the next
two weeks.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 • Huron Expositor 9
to Sandra Kochis
and her daughter
Samaya Kochis
for winning the
Mother & Daughter
Look-alike Contest
Thank you to all the
Mothers & Daughters who
entered this contest.
A HUGE thank you to the
businesses that contributed to the prize:
Sally's Closet.
Gift Certificate for a mother & daughter
Country Chic Paint class. $130
The Cotton Harvest Quilt Shop.
$20 gift certificate
Seaforth Foodland.
2 gift certificates. $50
The Looking Glass.
mother & daughter manicure. $45
Maureen Wildfong &
Amy McClure -Culligan Real Estate Ltd.
Arbonne Gift Package. $120