Cedar Springs Graduate Comes Full Circle With Purchase of Local Subway

For Seth Coxon, the Subway in Cedar Springs is more than a sandwich shop.

It is where he got his first job. It is where he first learned the basics of customer service, food prep and working behind the counter in his hometown. And now, more than 15 years later, he owns the very same shop.

Coxon, a 2010 Cedar Springs High School graduate, has purchased the Cedar Springs Subway and will officially take over ownership Wednesday, Oct. 7.

“It’s pretty cool to come full circle and say, ‘I bought my first job,’” Coxon said.

Coxon started working at the Cedar Springs Subway in 2009, back when he was still a student. Since then, he has built a career as a Subway franchise owner, now operating five locations around Grand Rapids and one in Rockford. But the Cedar Springs store has always remained special to him.

"I wanted that location for about 10 years," he said. Coxon had long told the original owner that if she ever decided to sell, he wanted to be the one to buy it.

Coxon entered into the franchise ownership about 10 years ago, and said Subway was one of the more affordable franchises to get into when he first started working toward ownership, but affordability was not the only reason he stayed with the brand.

“I believe in the brand and the product that we’re selling,” Coxon said. "I believe in Subway’s business model." Coxon also said he appreciates offering cleaner food than the high-fat options found at many other major franchises.

Although he now owns multiple locations, Coxon’s return to Cedar Springs carries a different meaning. This is the town where he went to school, where he worked his first job and where he first imagined owning a Subway someday.

“I actually told my parents as a teenager that I was going to own a Subway,” Coxon said. “I found myself going to college for Industrial Technology and Management and working at a factory, and I knew it wasn’t for me. So instead of finishing my bachelor’s degree, I saved up for my first Subway.”

As he steps into ownership of the Cedar Springs store, Coxon said he plans to keep the current employees, having already brought the store's manager into the transition process. He said the staff will be retrained on current standards and procedures, something he does with all new locations he takes over.

Coxon said he knows the store needs some work, but he also believes it already has a strong foundation because of the people working there.

“They have awesome customer service there. I’ve heard a lot of compliments about it,” he said.

One of the first things Coxon hopes to improve is product availability.

“The biggest problem I’ve been informed of is keeping product in stock,” Coxon said. “That’s been a big complaint. But with having several other locations, it’s real easy to keep product in stock. My managers know they can borrow and help each other out so that we’ll always have the product we need.”

Coxon said customers can expect operational changes meant to make the store run more smoothly and improve the overall experience. In the next year, he also plans to give the Cedar Springs Subway an updated remodel.

He also wants to clear up one question he said he has seen from local customers.

“We do take all the coupons,” Coxon said. “I’ve heard and seen the complaints online that this location doesn't take coupons. We will take all the coupons, so bring them in.”

Coxon said he hopes Cedar Springs residents will give the shop a chance under new ownership. He said customers can expect to see the same friendly faces, their favorite menu items in stock and expanded business hours for those who work late or want to stop in for dinner.

A grand re-opening and local promotions are also planned in the near future as a way for Coxon to thank the community.

That local connection is important to him. Coxon said supporting Cedar Springs schools and student athletes is one of the first ways he wants to give back. Cedar Springs sports teams will be offered 20% off catering and 6-inch to-go boxes for athletes.

“We want them to know we’re happy to have them cater through us,” Coxon said.

Even with several locations to manage, Coxon said he likes being involved in his stores. He enjoys helping employees, talking with customers and making sure people leave happy with their food.

“I genuinely love talking to people and making sure they have a great sandwich,” Coxon said. “I take so much pride in my team making good sandwiches. I love food, I’m a foodie, and customers can expect some beautiful sandwiches coming out of this store.”

For Coxon, buying the Cedar Springs Subway is both a business move and a homecoming. The place where he once stood behind the counter as a teenager is now the latest chapter in the career he started building right here in his hometown.