Interview with Rick Koerner, owner
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: I’m a Colorado native and my wife and I spent 20-plus years in the corporate world living on both East and West coasts and traveling everywhere in-between. During our travels, we ate a lot of sandwiches and became connoisseurs of sorts. In 2011, when my company asked me to move to Washington, D.C., I decided to hop off the corporate track, remain in Colorado and develop a sandwich shop that has the best of the best from around the country. We wanted to bring our Denver/Lakewood community really good sandwiches with amazing breads, meats and toppings, prepared quickly with great service and at reasonable prices. We’re happy to now have two locations in Lakewood (in the Belmar Shopping District and on the Union Corridor). Thanks to our customer’s support, we are looking to expand to more locations soon.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: First, our breads are awesome. I searched far and wide to bring the best breads to Stack Subs. We offer delicious white and wheat baguettes that toast perfectly with a light flaky outside and a soft, flavorful inside. We also have a unique pretzel roll that has a very subtle sweetness (not salty) and consistency that goes wonderfully with pastrami and our other sandwiches. We also recently added Udi’s gluten-free bread. Second, we layer our sandwiches with high quality meats and cheeses that we slice fresh daily. Lastly, we take pride in how we prepare our sandwiches. We strive to have consistent meats, cheeses, and toppings across the entire sandwich — from end to end.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: The absolute best feeling is serving a new customer and then seeing them again the next day at Stack with a group of friends. That is the ultimate compliment.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: We are always trying to come up with new menu ideas and deliver the best sandwiches in town. Stack was one of the first places in town to offer the pretzel roll that differentiated us from other sandwich shops.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: People seem surprised to hear that we’re an independent, local, family-owned sub shop and not a franchise. When our customers learn we are not a chain, they get even more excited and really like to support a local Colorado business. We invite everyone to come in to one of our two locations in Lakewood and give us a try. Then we hope you’ll become one of the growing number of regulars. Think of Stack Subs on your way to or from the mountains, after an outdoor activity, before a movie or anytime you are looking for a delicious, healthy and fast alternative to fast food.
Profile
Business: Stack Subs
Address: 420 S. Teller St., Lakewood
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Founded: 2012
Contact: 303-742-7827,
Employees: 15
