Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentargus.com

New Mexico’s ninth Schlotzsky’s sandwich shop arrived in Artesia Dec. 12 with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting presented by the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

Franchisee Devyn Garcia said opening a restaurant was not something he planned as part of his business life but decided the new eatery was a challenge that appealed to him.

“I’ve just had kind of an entrepreneur mindset,” he said. “We’ve (he and his family) owned a set of small businesses here and there as well,” he said.

Garcia, 34, said he has owned a nutrition shop, an oilfield service business and a mobile detailing service. He also works in sales for Sunbelt Rentals.

Getting his sandwich shop to the finish line produced some headaches during construction and a soft opening, he said, but the local support he’s received made it worth the effort.

“The community honestly has been nothing but supportive,” he said. “This community has been right behind us. It is awesome.”’

After the grand opening, Garcia greeted a line of customers waiting for discounted sandwiches and a four-pack of Cinnabons.

“We really are focused on customer service, providing an awesome product,” Garcia said. “You are going to get the most bang for your buck here, whether it’s the size of the sandwich or the taste of the sandwich. That’s our goal.”

One of those in line was Kaleb Newton, who said Garcia is “one of my best friends.”

“I’m excited for him,” Newton said. “It looks like they have a good thing going here.”

Newton, like Garcia, is 34 and has spent his entire life in Artesia. He said new restaurants are good for the community.

“The more restaurants we can get in Artesia, the better,” he said.

Located near Artesia High School at 905 W. Main St., Garcia’s restaurant presents an off-campus dining option for students, said Jessica Bollema, communications coordinator for the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

She said it’s the chamber’s job to connect new businesses with the community.

“Even though it’s a franchise. it’s locally owned and one of our favorite things is supporting local,” Bollema said. “I feel like they are going to do amazing things with that.”

“Having more eateries in town can attract more (business). The more you have, the more you get,” she said.

Schlotzsky’s opened in Austin, Texas, in 1971 and has more than 350 restaurants in the United States and overseas, according to the company’s website.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.