‘Security is not there’: Subway on move in Village

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/04/2025 (205 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Subway is the latest brand leaving its longtime Osborne Village post — but it isn’t going far, and within four months, the space could drastically change.

Safety, parking and renovations topped the list of reasons for the impending move.

“We’ve lost customers, we’ve lost sales,” said Anand Kuruvilla, the franchise’s co-owner, sitting on a chair previously stacked atop a dine-in table.

All chairs in the restaurant, at the corner of Osborne Street and River Avenue, are stacked to deter people who aren’t customers from entering, Kuruvilla said.

He and three co-owners bought the franchise a couple of years ago. Subway has been a street-facing name in Osborne for at least 15 years.

Since purchasing, incident and vandalism-related calls at 445 River Ave. have been regular, Kuruvilla said. A nearby window was covered with blue tape.

Transient people have slept near the door, deterring patrons and Subway locks its door sometimes, further off-putting customers, Kuruvilla said, adding employee safety is a concern.

“We love this location,” Kuruvilla continued. “The only thing is, security is not there.”

Winnipeg police increased foot patrols in the Village last year. It helped reduce incidents, Kuruvilla said, adding he’s been looking to move the sandwich stop for a year. The local Business Improvement Zone group is launching a team of community safety ambassadors this week.

Property, violent and drugs crimes decreased year-over-year in River-Osborne for the 12 months ending November 2024, per Winnipeg Police Service data. The WPS clocked 519 property and 195 violent crimes, a respective drop of 29.5 and 22.9 per cent.

Kuruvilla chatted after a lunch rush on Tuesday. A line had formed; delivery drivers popped in and out. There are regulars, and Osborne Village is a good — and busy — area, he said.

“We’ve lost customers, we’ve lost sales.”–Anand Kuruvilla

Subway is relocating to 445 Stradbrook Ave., in a strip mall with tenants like Mary Brown’s. Kuruvilla believes the site will be safer because of the mall’s set-up and the Village’s fire hall nearby.

Also, there’s a parking lot, unlike the current locale. The lot benefits business, Kuruvilla said.

Subway’s Osborne move — 300 metres south down the strip — will happen this month, if all goes to plan.

Coffee giant Starbucks closed its operation across from the current Subway in May 2024. The reasoning was unclear, though the company cited safety and market changes. Seven months later, a nearby 25-year-old A&W fast food restaurant didn’t renew its lease; its franchisees were nearing retirement. Both spaces sit empty, though the former Starbucks is undergoing renovations.

Meantime, a new tenant is lined up for Subway’s soon-to-be former corner.

First, though, renovations are scheduled. Subway waited years for building changes, but it wasn’t in the budget, said the Gas Station Arts Centre’s executive director.

“We’ve been in the process of upgrading and they’ve been waiting for us,” Nick Kowalchuk said.

Gas Station Arts Centre, a non-profit, is currently Subway’s landlord. Once the eatery leaves, the 1,600-square-foot space will be transformed into a new bar and café, Kowalchuk said.

He wouldn’t say who’s taking over; it’s not a chain business. The redone space will also become the Gas Station Arts Centre’s main entrance.

“It’s a win-win-win kind of scenario,” Kowalchuk said, adding the shop will service people walking through the Village and thousands of patrons visiting Gas Station.

September is circled for the new eatery’s opening. Rent is an important part of the non-profit’s revenue, Kowalchuk noted: “Subway was a great tenant and paid their bills on time.”

Café renovations may coincide with outdoor construction on the Gas Station Arts Centre’s courtyard. The centre is funnelling some $300,000 into a redesign to address homelessness and violence.

Come August, landscapers will plant trees and flowering bushes in the current courtyard and behind the bus shelter facing Osborne Street, near the Subway.

“That space is just not used,” Kowalchuk said. “It’s something we can capitalize on.”

Gas Station attendees visit Village shops; there’s an upswing of people feeling comfortable, Kowalchuk emphasized.

Recent restaurant arrivals like Baby Baby are good to see, said Dave Gonschior. He works at Canna Cabana, a pot shop in the Village.

“Anything that’s going to bring a little bit of vibrancy to the area is definitely a good thing,” Gonschior said, considering Gas Station’s plans and Subway’s stacked chairs. “Subway constantly looks closed.”

Commercial spaces underneath new apartment blocks like the Zu join vacancies in buildings across Canna Cabana, and at the former Starbucks and A&W.

“There’s options for a lot of smaller businesses to come into the area, but… obviously, with the economy the way it is, it’s not an easy sell to people,” Gonschior said.

Tyler Giesbrecht, a Village resident for two years, questioned how city officials will assist locals experiencing homelessness.

“It’s exciting to see the (Subway) space be turned into something new,” he said. “On the other hand, there are people there who are using the space. It’s tricky because now they have to find somewhere else to go.”

Zohreh Gervais, executive director of the Osborne Village BIZ, said she was busy training the area’s new safety team this week. Up to eight members will offer a safe walk program and outreach along Osborne Street.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com