ONLY ON 3: Franchise restaurant downtown brings mixed feelings

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A new business is coming to downtown Wilmington. This one is a national franchise. Jimmy John’s sandwich shop is set to open at 120 Market Street. Their corporate office confirmed today the store is slated to open this month.

Some people are concerned about locally-owned stores having to compete with this or any other franchise.

“It just doesn’t feel the same to me as a Mixto or Yosake or a Green’s Grille or Chops or something like these independent restaurants that we have run by local Downtown Wilmington people,” said Bobby Purks, who lives in Downtown Wilmington.

Others say they don’t mind.

“My main hope is that they serve good food,” Gene Merritt said. “And I think they will be an asset to Downtown Wilmington.”

City councilman Kevin O’Grady said there’s no ordinance that prohibits franchises from opening in the downtown historic district. In fact, Nikki’s, Kilwin’s and Subway are just a few franchises that have been successful downtown.