Eldersburg area residents looking for low-cost, eat-in or carryout meals have one less option available to them. The local Quiznos Classic Subs, part of national chain, has closed its doors for good.

Mike Stavlas, owner of the Princess Shopping Center where the Quiznos was located, said economic problems led the franchisee to close the store.

A manager of another nearby business, who did not provide her name, put it more bluntly saying, "he just wasn't making any money."

Assets of the sandwich shop were sold in an online auction Nov. 23 by Rasmus Auctioneers.

Quiznos franchisees nationwide have encountered more than their share of troubles. Blue Mau Mau, a website that specializes in franchise news, estimates that as many as 1,800 of 5,000 Quiznos restaurants have closed in the past several years. Last summer the company and disgruntled franchisees reached a $206 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit.

Meanwhile, the privately held firm has announced plans to open 600 new company-owned and joint-venture shops.

Several calls last week by Eldersburg Patch to Quiznos corporate headquarters in Denver were not returned.

Stavlas of Anne Arundel County, who developed the shopping center about 12 years ago, said the economy is challenging, but most businesses are finding ways to survive.

He said other retailers, including another sandwich restaurant, already are looking at the former Quiznos site.

Stavlas said the closed Quiznos is the only vacancy in the shopping center, which is in the 1200 block of Liberty Road.

While some area residents were shocked to see the Quiznos gone, business owners say it is a sign of the times.

"I'm not surprised the way the economy is going," said Mike Romeo, owner-manager of the nearby Romeo's Italian Bistro. "Even restaurants open 50, 60 years are closing."