23rd St. Firehouse Subs reopens

Dec. 5--PANAMA CITY -- Businesses across the Panhandle have been slowly reopening post-hurricane.

A little over a year after Hurricane Michael made landfall, Firehouse Subs on 23rd Street finally reopened late last month. It was heavily damaged during the storm.

The restaurant lost its roof and had a lot of water damage to the interior. Even though it's a process to rebuild, that wasn't the biggest challenge.

RELATED: Bay County restaurant news.

"Our biggest challenge was keeping our staff after the hurricane," said Ken Stange, Firehouse Subs franchisee. "We kept some and had them work at the Lynn Haven and the Beach location."

Strange said it was a relief to finally reopen and now he's back to the challenges of running a business.

Staffing for Firehouse Subs is still an issue. Since the reopening, Strange has had to hire workers from other countries who are here on work visas to keep the restaurant running.

"The challenge is that it's not as cost effective because you have to pay a higher premium," said Strange. "I would rather have locals working, but if it means I have to take a hit now, then I will."

The foreign workers have adjusted well since starting, managers said.

"They have been great to work with and are always working hard every day," said Area Supervisor Hope Gines.

The process to rebuild has been a strenuous one, from cleaning out the restaurant after the storm to dealing with insurance adjusters.

"It took a lot of patience because it's like we were taking one step forward and taking two steps back," said Stange. "It cost around $150,000 to rebuild and equipment."

According to Stange, customers have been surprised to discover the restaurant has reopened, since it took so long.

He said they are still taking applications for both management and other personnel.

___

(c)2019 The News Herald (Panama City, Fla.)

Visit The News Herald (Panama City, Fla.) at www.newsherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.