Hailing from Ohio, Dave’s Cosmic Subs is preparing to enter the Nashville market. It has leased a space in Sylvan Park, with plans to open in a roughly 1,200-square-foot space at 4021 Charlotte Ave. in January.
Jim Yashnyk, chief strategy officer for Dave’s Cosmic Subs, told What Now Nashville that the Sylvan Park location is an early step in what will become a broader expansion for the brand. Yashnyk and his parent company, Cleveland-based Sidhu Realty Capital, were the largest franchisee for Dave’s Cosmic Subs as of 2022. Helmed by CEO Paul Sidhu, the team opened their first franchise location with Dave’s Cosmic Subs in 2017 and by 2022, they had 10 locations. That year, they purchased the brand from the founders.
Since then, they have been ramping up toward growth for their corporate-owned locations.
“We have worked hard at updating systems and getting all the i’s and t’s crossed to get ready for expansion,” Yashnyk said. “Now is the best time to start.”
The Sylvan Park location marks the first of seven locations that will eventually join the Nashville market. The location will feature a more streamlined design that Dave’s Cosmic Subs has adopted more recently. Scaling back on rock ’n roll memorabilia, the team has opted for more clean designs with white subway tile and a mural highlighting the brand’s heritage. Founder Dave Lombardy launched the brand in 1997, tying his love for subs and appreciation for music into one concept.
It serves a variety of sandwich types, including Italian, tuna melts, chicken, beef and veggie.
Currently, the brand has a strong presence in Ohio, as well as locations in Vermont and Atlanta. This Nashville location will spearhead further growth in the area in the coming years.
“Nashville is a growing area that has so many different food options,” Yashnyk said. “I think Dave’s Cosmic Subs will fit in perfectly, and I think people will fall in love with it, just like they have here in the Cleveland market.”
