Quiznos was founded in 1981 in Denver as a toasted-submarine-sandwich restaurant.
The company was started by Jimmy Lambatos and began as a restaurant specializing in submarine sandwiches that were toasted before serving. Toasting became a central part of the brand’s identity and distinguished Quiznos from many competitors whose sandwiches were commonly served cold or warmed in different ways.
Quiznos expanded through franchising and became especially prominent in the 1990s and early 2000s. Its restaurants helped popularize toasted subs as a major category in the United States, while its advertising and menu emphasized oven-toasted bread and prepared ingredients.
Quiznos is often confused with Subway because both are large sandwich franchises. Subway began in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965 under an earlier name, while Quiznos originated in Denver in 1981. The two brands therefore have different founders, launch dates, and origin cities.