The Home Team looks back at Quiznos' pivotal 1991 ownership change. Rick Schaden and his father Richard, who had already become Quiznos franchisees, purchased the 18-location operation and began building the infrastructure that would eventually support massive expansion.
Rick Schaden graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado Denver in 1987. His father Richard was an aeronautical engineer, pilot and prominent aviation trial attorney who, according to the University of Colorado, litigated more than 400 aviation cases.
Quiznos began in Denver in 1981 with chef Jimmy Lambatos and partner Todd Disner. Rick and Richard Schaden opened their first franchise in Boulder in 1987 and acquired the entire 18-restaurant operation in January 1991 before accelerating the brand's expansion.
Todd Disner didn't completely disappear after the sale. Historical accounts report that he retained an 8% interest in Quiznos and remained as a consultant, while the Schadens began standardizing operations, purchasing and franchise training to prepare the chain for expansion.
