28-05-2025
Gateway Subs opens sixth Tampa location in Ellenton
ELLENTON, Fla. (BLOOM) – A group of college friends-turned-entrepreneurs is taking over the Tampa Bay sandwich scene, one hoagie at a time. Gateway Subs, a fast-growing sub shop founded in 2021, is opening its sixth location this June in Ellenton, just steps from the outlet mall.
Florida friends build successful sub empire and take Instagram by storm
Founded by Grant Strayer, Morgan Zook, Brandon Ruditz, and Henry Love, Gateway Subs has become a local staple known for its house-made ingredients, efficient service, and youthful energy. The newest store, located at 2215 60th Ave E, is expected to open by the second week of June. The team is currently converting a former Subway and will take over the space on June 1.
To celebrate the expansion, Gateway is offering a free half sub to customers who sign up at
After graduating during the pandemic, the four founders turned a turbulent job market into an opportunity. Inspired by iconic sub shops from their Boca Raton hometowns and college town favorites, the group built Gateway Subs with a mission: expand fast, but never cut corners.
Their flagship St. Petersburg store quickly built a loyal following, and the brand has since become a go-to for hot subs, scratch-made cookies, and creative monthly specials.
Grant Strayer, the company's CEO and expansion strategist, leads big-picture growth and financial planning. With a background in finance from Indiana University, he's focused on taking Gateway from regional favorite to national contender.
Morgan Zook, known for his viral videos and community collaborations, heads up marketing and brand building. He also oversees Gateway's expanding catering division, which serves everyone from the Tampa Bay Rays to local fire departments.
Brandon Ruditz, a former Division 1 lacrosse player and Federal Reserve staffer, runs day-to-day operations and backend systems to ensure consistency and quality across stores.
Henry Love, the first of the group with restaurant management experience, helped open the first Gateway before returning to Indiana to manage his family's restaurant and launch new food concepts.
The Ellenton location will be managed by Peter Charles, a 24-year-old with experience at Jersey Mike's and Chick-fil-A. He relocated to St. Pete in January to train for what's expected to be Gateway's busiest store yet.
The rest of the Gateway leadership includes:
Michael Boswell, Director of Operations & Production – a former chef who bakes all desserts and helps lead staff training.
Ian 'Shep' Sheppard, 4th Street Manager – the longest-tenured team member, known for his customer service.
Mark Blohm, Tampa Manager & Design Director – responsible for Gateway's visual branding and marketing campaigns.
Kevin Bell, Kenwood Manager – respected for his culinary creativity.
Savannah Nifong, South Pasadena Manager – one of Gateway's youngest leaders, already managing her own store at 21.
One of Gateway's fan favorites, 'The Brycer,' will be featured at the new store. It's stacked with buffalo chicken salad (baked in-house), sweet and hot peppers, and crushed jalapeño chips, served on fresh hoagie bread.
With plans to expand into other Florida cities and long-term ambitions to reach markets like Indiana and Texas, Gateway Subs is betting on its winning formula of house-made ingredients, community connection, and a team-first culture.
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