KVPL creates jobs with Subway, others

BONNERS FERRY — After much anticipation, Subway opened on Wednesday. The new 1,500 square foot store features all the regular Subway offerings, indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables.

“This is Josh’s flagship store,” said Jerry Lewis. “Josh owns two stores in Sandpoint.”

The Bonners Ferry Subway is Josh Foust’s third Subway and is managed by Cassidy Cossairt. They have all the latest Subway promotions and will feature the Subway promotions throughout the year.

In 2012, Foust and Subway cemented the deal to construct a brand new store in Bonners Ferry with Kootenai Valley Preservation League (KVPL).

Originally, the complex south of Super 1 Foods was going to contain Subway, Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union and other stores. After P1FCU decided on a new location and Subway wanted to stay, KVPL built a stand-alone store.

KVPL plans to construct additional stores next to Subway but the names have not been announced yet.

“We are working on the growth of the community,” said Tony Villelli, who co-owns KVPL with Jerry Lewis DVM.

Lewis and Villelli formed KVPL six years ago to help reduce the nearly 15 percent unemployment rate in Bonners Ferry.

They purchased the old Lantern Restaurant and Motel on Highway 95 and named the area The South Hill Center.

In 2012, Villelli and Lewis cleared the property with the help of Rick Philbrook to make way for Randy McIntire and Super 1 Foods, which was completed in 2011.

With the help of Villelli, the McIntires purchased the closed-up Conoco station across Highway 95 from Super 1 Foods.

Between the three new stores within the last two years, KVPL has created over 120 jobs.

Additionally, Mojo’s coffee shop relocated next to Subway from next to Sugar Plum Floral with anticipation of extending hours and adding staff.

According to Villelli, the small part they have played in decreasing unemployment has made all their efforts worthwhile. As of April 2013, the Idaho Department of Labor reported unemployment in Boundary County at 7.9 percent.

In addition to creating new jobs, KVPL employed local contractors to build both Super 1 Foods and Subway.

“Denny Wedel with Bonners Ferry Builders and his very capable staff have been instrumental in all four of these projects,” said Lewis in reference to Super 1 Foods, Subway, Conoco and the Pend Oreille Veterinary Service clinic. “Without them nothing would have happened.”

Lewis, along with his partners in Pend Oreille Veterinary Service, opened the veterinary clinic on Highway 95 in 2011.

Subway is located south of Super 1 Foods and is open seven days a week form 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.