With two locations open in St. Petersburg’s Kenwood Shops Plaza and in South Pasadena, Gateway Subs is preparing to open a third at 5931 Fourth St. N. Born out of the pandemic years, the sandwich shop chain has already built a following with its creative sandwiches and small-batch roasted coffee.
“I started it with my three best friends after we graduated college during COVID,” said Grant Strayer, who owns Gateway Subs in partnership with Henry Love, Brandon Ruditz, and Morgan Zook. The four friends moved to St. Pete with an idea for a sandwich shop, and since launching it they haven’t looked back.
“We fell love with the city,” Strayer said. “The culture is incredible, and the people are so kind. We bought a house, bought a sandwich shop, put together a list of 88 subs, and picked the 8 best. At our grand opening, we gave away 150 subs for free. We didn’t know if anyone would come, but then the mayor showed up, and we ended up running out in two hours.”
Those 8 subs include familiar varieties like 2. Spicy Italian and 8. Looney Tuna, along with flavor profiles like 4. Spice Mélange (Mayo, Hot Capicola, Buffalo Chicken Breast, Provolone, Onion, Hot Peppers, H’s Hot Garlic buffalo, Crumbled Jalapeno Chips) and 7. The Big Beach (Mayo, Roast Beef, Ham, Turkey, Provolone, Lettuce, Onion, Tomato. *Recommended: Put some chips on that Beach!)
The Fourth Street North location is shooting for an opening this August, but in the meantime, check out Gateway’s original St. Pete location or stop by in South Pasadena on your way to the beach. Plus, be sure to follow @gateway.subs on Instagram to keep up with Gateway Subs news.
