MT. PLEASANT-- The scent of baking bread can be smelled on the south end of Mt. Pleasant since the recent opening of a new Subway sandwich restaurant.

A little more than a year ago, Blake Newton of Abundance Brands, decided that Mt. Pleasant would be a good place for a Subway. Factors that lead to the decision were, the area is pretty big, it's a long drive to Ephraim where the next closest Subway is located and it is the first franchise restaurant to serve healthy food in the area.

The restaurant is located east of Terrel's Marketplace next to Heritage Credit Union (formally Moroni Feed Credit Union) and Cavalier Pizza. The hours of operation are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The store will be managed by LouAnn Bennett and they have hired 13 employees. This Subway location will carry a full Subway menu including breakfast foods and soups. The only item not on the Subway menu is pizza since Cavalier Pizza is just next door.

The biggest obstacle Newton had to overcome was finding a store manager since he is not from this area and knows relatively few people.

However, through the application process and talking to local people, Newton knew that his choice, LouAnn Bennett, was the right person for the job.

It only took Abundance Brands, the parent company, 44 days from the beginning of construction until the opening of the restaurant. Abundance Brands has 38 Subway locations including the Subway in Nephi and Huntington. The Mt. Pleasant Subway is the 204th location in Utah.

Abundance Brands will be opening three more Subway locations this week and is looking to open 20 more this year.

How can Subway's business be increasing in the current economic climate? "I think it's because we provide healthy dining options along with the $5 foot-long promotion which makes Subway affordable, people know they are getting value for their dollars and its a friendly place to visit.

All employees have to complete an online training at the University of Subway, which upon the first level of training, they are certified sandwich artists.

For people who live in Mt. Pleasant, don't be surprised if you wake to the smell of fresh bread baking. Dozens of loaves are being prepared, just down the road.