The Sub Station is being torn down on June 30th, closing after 54 years of operation near the heart of UC Riverside. The eatery, founded in 1972 by Richard Munio in UCR's Bannockburn Village, is being demolished as the aging wood-frame structure has become a safety hazard. For four of those years, I was privileged to be employed there. It has been the best job I've ever had as I have made lifelong friends and memories.
Originally from New Jersey, Munio came to California for college, finishing his bachelor's degree at Chico State. His academic achievement was short-lived because he was drafted for the Vietnam War. Munio ended up serving a year in Vietnam. He returned to California and set his sights on a business he could call his own. Soon, he bought a space in UCR's Bannockburn Village. Munio transformed the area by adding an outdoor patio, handmade tables, and seating. It makes The Sub Station feel like home and creates a calming atmosphere, ideal for a lunch break.
Everybody from UCR students to past Riverside mayors has dropped by to enjoy a sandwich.
Customers described themselves as devastated by the news, with some starting up a petition to save The Sub Station. Some even wrote letters to the dean of UCR and some higher-ups in the UC system. Their show of support was overwhelming for Munio and his subbers. Munio hopes the redevelopment will leave room for businesses to operate in the area, but Munio is still treating these last couple of months as the end.
We are in the final months of The Sub Station being fully operational. Which means, there's not much time left to eat the legendary hoagies that can only be found at The Sub Station. If you haven't had the privilege of eating here, you only have this small window of time. New customers will be astonished once they try their landmark Italian sub "The Big Dude." An assortment of freshly sliced Italian meats topped with provolone cheese, tomatoes, and lettuce infused with mouth-watering juice. The "Big Dude" reigns supreme as the station's most popular cold sub.
Sub Station's legacy goes far beyond a sandwich shop. Multiple lifelong relationships have blossomed from the crew's interconnectivity. Every generation of "subbers" has become a makeshift family. The family of "subbers" extends a hand to the customers. Multiple generations of customers have fueled The Sub Station. The last months will be devoted to them with deals offered to long-time customers and past subbers. You can bet that past subbers and old customers will flood The Sub Station during the last week of business. Munio and his subbers plan to throw a party from June 15th to June 20th. The week-long party will have live music, deals on subs, and free goodies. The Sub Station may be closing, but its legacy will shine through the years to come.
By Maxen Olvera
