A new sandwich shop is coming to the Tri-Cities this fall as a part of an Eastern Washington expansion.

Port of Subs, a Nevada-based sub sandwich chain with more than 50 years of history, is currently developing more than 300 new stores across the country, and Eastern Washington is one focus for the company. 

As part of the expansion, 10 units are set to open in the state and northern Idaho, with the flagship restaurant planned for the Tri-Cities.

A site has not yet been chosen, but “the goal is to find a very good location that has high visibility, high traffic and is easy for customers to get to,” said Ben Pearson, Port of Subs’ regional developer for the Eastern Washington region, which includes northern Idaho.

He’s the point person for the expansion and will own and operate the flagship restaurant, which is projected to open around September this year. Pearson is also recruiting other single unit or multiunit franchisees in the region.

Pearson is a Navy veteran with more than 20 years of management experience, according to a press release. He’s lived in the Tri-Cities for the last 15 years. 

It’s “a continuously growing area. There’s I think always a need for more food options, and I think it has great potential for success with a new brand of food in the area,” Pearson said.

Port of Subs shops are expected to open in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, the release said.

Already, Port of Subs has several locations in western Washington. Cities such as Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Walla Walla and Ritzville are also targeted for the sandwich chain’s Eastern Washington expansion. 

“I’m excited to get this thing going, I’m excited to bring Port of Subs to a new market,” Pearson said.