St. Louis, MO — Local sandwich chain STL Subs has announced it will close its Delmar location at the end of this week, citing declining sales and logistical challenges in managing several stores spread across the St. Louis area.
In a statement, the company expressed appreciation for its loyal customers while acknowledging the difficulties that led to the closure.
“While we’ve truly enjoyed being part of this community, a combination of lower sales and the challenges of running multiple locations spread far apart have led us to make this tough decision,” the company said.
Company’s Remaining Locations
While the Delmar shop is closing, STL Subs will continue operating its other stores in South County, Town & Country, and Arnold. Company officials confirmed that the decision affects only the Delmar branch and not the rest of the brand’s network.
According to FOX2 Now, STL Subs evolved from a previous franchise partnership. A local franchisee who once operated under the Goodcents name decided to exit the national chain and launch STL Subs as an independent brand.
From Franchise to Local Brand
The company described the rebrand as an effort to maintain local identity and creativity after years of franchise experience.
“We wanted something that felt more like us,” the company said, referring to the new STL Subs identity.
When STL Subs replaced several former Goodcents locations, the goal was to retain loyal customers while strengthening local recognition. That strategy worked in some neighborhoods, but not everywhere.
Why the Delmar Location Struggled
Despite the rebrand’s success in parts of the metro area, company leaders said the Delmar location faced ongoing challenges in building brand awareness and consistent traffic.
“The transition didn’t really work out in Delmar, where brand awareness and customer loyalty were difficult to build,” the company noted in its statement.
Industry observers say location-specific struggles are common among small restaurant chains, especially as competition, rent costs, and staffing issues continue to impact local businesses.
Goodcents Still Operating Separately
Even after the split, Goodcents continues to operate independently in the St. Louis region, maintaining its own brand presence and customer base. Both STL Subs and Goodcents now serve the area under separate ownership and management.
The closure marks another shift in the city’s evolving local dining landscape, as independent eateries continue to balance identity, growth, and economic pressures.
What are your thoughts on STL Subs closing its Delmar location? Have you visited their other stores in the area? Share your experiences in the comments below.
