| Vandals
attack local franchise
BY MAXINE HILLARY
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Photo: Ed Diggs
Vandals smashed the plate glass
windows of the new Subway shop in Old Takoma.
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Takoma Park’s vision
of a tolerant, freedom-loving community was put to the test
in the early hours of February 22. In an apparent political
statement at the new Subway sandwich shop on Carroll Avenue
in Old Town Takoma, unknown vandals smashed plate glass windows
and painted an anarchist symbol on the sidewalk in front.
"Shop Local" appeared next to it. Local residents
erected signs supporting the business, making a point of letting
owner Rizwan Khan know that Takoma Park residents were sorry
that his business had been attacked.
Subway has been the target of opposition since its inception.
The Montgomery County City Council wouldn’t allow it
until a poll indicated that the vast majority of Takoma Park
residents approved of the business. Landlord Sam Kittner thought
it ironic that there should be any opposition to a franchise
operation opening up in Takoma Park.
"It’s kind of weird that I have to justify the
existence of a sandwich shop in Takoma Park," Kittner
said. "To spend all this time and effort to fight the
opening of a sandwich shop–it’s not a gun shop or
a petrochemical factory."
Indeed, the opposition to corporate enterprise in Takoma
Park might have gone too far. By all appearances, it backfired.
Community members brought flowers and left signs of support
for owner Rizwan Khan, who owns another Subway in the Langley
Park area. A four-year business owner in Takoma Park, Khan
knew that opposition to his opening the store was likely,
and he was proven correct last December, when the store was
vandalized with spray paint.
"This was a political statement," Khan said. "But
in the six weeks we’ve been open, we’ve only gotten
compliments. People really like coming here."
Khan’s approval from the City Council proved difficult.
He had to convince them that his operation was not part of
a mega-conglomerate and it was unlikely there would be a glut
of fast food operations following.
"A franchise is an independent business," Khan
said. "Every single store is owned by someone."
Kittner sees the new shop as an asset to the Old Town Takoma
Park area.
"We have a wonderful business district with a mix of
businesses. Nobody should feel intimidated to purchase the
products of their choice. There’s all kinds of people
in Takoma Park. The people going to the Subway aren’t
driving in. They’re local."
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Photo: Ed Diggs
Signs of support appeared
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According to Takoma Park Police Spokesperson Carol Bannerman,
there were other incidences of violence against private property
that night. In Silver Spring, a Starbucks and an Einstein
Bagels were vandalized. Bannerman says the breaking of glass
and spraying of paint are misdemeanors and carry sentences
as long as three years and stiff fines. But the perpetrators
of acts like these aren’t the only ones who wind up paying.
Small businesses spend millions of dollars each year on insurance.
The more numerous the incidences, the higher the premiums.
Bannerman says there have been several incidences in Takoma
Park in the last year.
Kittner, a photographer, and his wife, Bobbi, a graphic artist,
have owned the Subway retail space for four years, and have
lived in Takoma Park for 10.
"Takoma Park has so many unique aspects," he said.
"We come from an open-minded, liberal perspective. It’s
okay to be quirky and artsy here. There’s an earthy feel
here."
Kitter’s property sat vacant for nearly a year. The
opening of a popular business was welcome.
Khan sees his shop as an alternative to the menus at other
eating establishments in Old Town. Customers agree, citing
lower prices, rapid service, and the availability of another
option as reasons they support Subway.
Khan’s offerings include soy products, veggie wraps,
and other vegan foods, along with the traditional cold cuts
and cheeses. His windows are typically covered with flyers
about community events, services offered, and lost pets. He’s
planning on a large bulletin board. And he’s not going
to let the smashing of his windows and the nearly $5,000 it
will cost to fix them deter him from doing business in Takoma
Park.
"I love the people around here," he says. "I
love this community. I hope they catch the person or persons
who did this, and we can put it behind us."
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