---
title: "Port of Subs® Makes History with First U.S. Navy Base Opening at Guantánamo Bay"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/af356066-b664-4639-81d1-c56beaf29b92
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20261027_port_of_subs_makes_history_with_first_us_navy_base_opening_at_guantnamo_bay.html
category: "Sandwich & sub"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Sandwich & sub"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2026-10-27T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T14:57:27.916Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Port of Subs® Makes History with First U.S. Navy Base Opening at Guantánamo Bay

**TL;DR:** Port of Subs has opened its first location on a US Navy base at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, marking a historic milestone for the 54-year legacy sandwich brand. The restaurant is the brand's first international location and was opened through a partnership with Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM).

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-10-27. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20261027_port_of_subs_makes_history_with_first_us_navy_base_opening_at_guantnamo_bay.html).*

## Story

CASTLE ROCK, Colo., Oct. 27, 2026 // PRNewswire // -- Port of Subs® is officially open for business at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, marking a historic milestone for the 54-year legacy sandwich brand and the beginning of its service to the Navy community.

The restaurant opened September 30, 2026, becoming Port of Subs' first location on a U.S. military installation, its first international location, and its first restaurant opened through its partnership with Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM).

For Port of Subs, the significance of this opening extends beyond those firsts. It is an opportunity to become part of daily life on base, serving Sailors, their families, installation leadership, and civilian personnel with the freshly sliced, made-to-order food and welcoming service that have defined the brand since 1972.

"Opening at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay is a proud moment in our company's history, and the opportunity to serve this community is an honor," said Healey Mendicino, President and CEO of Port of Subs. "We are grateful to NEXCOM and base leadership for welcoming our brand and helping bring this opening to life. It is a privilege to serve the men and women who serve our country, and the families who support them."

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to community. NEXCOM provides goods and services to military personnel and their families while reinvesting earnings into Navy quality-of-life programs. Port of Subs' role as a food service partner supports that mission by bringing an additional dining option to the installation.

Located near the entrance to the Navy Exchange, the restaurant offers freshly sliced sandwiches, salads, and wraps to those who live and work on base.

The opening also holds personal significance for Port of Subs' ownership. Dave Liniger, Chairman of Area 15 Ventures, and Adam Contos, Managing Partner, are both military veterans, bringing a longstanding connection to military service to the organization.

From its beginnings as a neighborhood sandwich shop to this first Navy opening, Port of Subs has built its identity around serving people and creating community. At Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, that commitment takes on new meaning as the brand joins a community dedicated to service.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- QSR (sector)
- international expansion (topic)
- Port of Subs (company)
- Dave Liniger (person)
- qsr franchise (topic)
- Adam Contos (person)
- Healey Mendicino (person)
- Area 15 Ventures (investor)
- military partnership (topic)
- Naval Station Guantánamo Bay (location)
- navy base expansion (topic)

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Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20261027_port_of_subs_makes_history_with_first_us_navy_base_opening_at_guantnamo_bay.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/af356066-b664-4639-81d1-c56beaf29b92).