Greg and Catharine Persinger opened the sub chain’s first location in the state.

Sandwich franchise Firehouse Subs has opened its first location in Alaska, and the chain partnered with a high-profile franchisee to make it happen.

According to an article in Nation’s Restaurant News, Team USA curler Greg Persinger and his wife Catharine are the new store’s owners and operators. The new store is the first restaurant venture for the born-and-bred Alaskans, and Catharine said they have the 2018 World Men’s Curling Championship to thank for introducing the couple to the brand.

“Early in the tournament, Greg took the team to eat at Firehouse Subs and they started winning," said Catharine. "They continued eating at Firehouse Subs and it became their lucky charm — as the team ultimately went on to win the national title. When a local sub shop closed in Fairbanks, we knew we wanted to bring our community a great brand like Firehouse Subs.”

Read the full article at nrn.com.

Photo courtesy of firehousesubs on Instagram.