The Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — After Kum & Go took over the only gas station in Yampa last month, the town is poised for more change with the planned opening of the chain sandwich shop Subway at the same location later this year.

West Des Moines, Iowa-based Kum & Go officially replaced the former Weston’s Country Corner on Aug. 12, general manager Jennifer Coop said. The grand opening of the planned Subway, in the same space as the former café, is expected sometime in November, Coop said.

“It’s not just a rumor that Subway is coming to Yampa — it is a fact,” Coop said. “It’s just going to take a little time.”

Yampa resident Karen Tus­sey, who serves as secretary of the South Routt Economic Development Council, said she is happy to see Subway moving in — because of its food and in hopes that it will draw passersby off Colorado Highway 131.

“Subway is a good chain — people will enjoy it, especially tourists,” Tussey said. “I think it will be good for Yampa.”

The changeover in management of the gas station also will provide a regular supply of fuel in Yampa, Tussey said, as gas deliveries and store hours were irregular under the former owners.

“We didn’t have gasoline on and off for quite some time — weeks, even. It makes it hard when you can’t get gas, and the nearest station is in Oak Creek,” Tussey said.

Subway’s installation will be delayed slightly because of renovations on the café side, though customers seem to be pleased with changes that already have been made to the convenience store side, Coop said.

“People are impressed by what they see,” Coop said. “They like the openness, and it’s a little less cluttered.”

New products at the station include magazines, ice cream and movie rentals. Although customers will recognize the Yampa location as a Kum & Go from the standard signage and products carried by other stores in the region, the interior will retain much of its country feel and carry local items including fresh-baked goods from Judy’s Country Donuts and Bakery in Oak Creek, Coop said.

“It’s a bit different than most Kum and Gos,” she said. “It just has a different feel to it — a lot more homey, a lot more soothing.”

As the business grows and prepares for the Subway to open its doors, Coop said she is optimistic it will create more jobs in Yampa.

“We all want to be able to live and work here, and the more local jobs, the better,” Coop said.

Kum & Go is located at Colo. 131 and Moffat Avenue. The convenience store is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Call 638-4283.