a little extra

If you were to open a restaurant, you'd probably:

1. Pick a key location.
2. Have a recognizable sign and storefront that invited potential customers in. 
3. Pre-make food daily to keep lines short and wait even shorter.
4. Have music in the background, but never too loud.If needed, show news or sports channel to attract crowds.
5. Create a considerable mark-up (increase food valuation).

I'm glad Papaya Cafe wasn't listening when these rules were drilled into the masses, because it's defiance of these and other rules are what make it such a great secret (that you can't help but share with others).

Here are some potential downfalls and how Papaya turned them into positives:

1. Unless you have someone to show you where it is, you'll probably get lost trying to find it. But, once you do know where it is, there are always parking spots and it's tucked back in an executive park, so people can easily walk to it. 
2. The storefront is plain, and unadorned other than a simple sign. Plus, the windows are so dark you can't see if anyone's there or not. When you're inside though, the dark windows make it much easier to watch the movie or eat without the hot sun beating down on you.
3. There is usually a long line at lunch and nothing is pre-made, so it takes around 10 minutes to get your food. But, it's made to YOUR order. You want sourdough bread? Ok. Mayo? You bet.
4. They've usually go a movie (uncensored at that) blaring, or loud reggae music that you have to raise your voice to talk over. The movies are acutally, get this, fun to watch even if there is a sex scene or intense action scene, while you eat. And, the loud music makes you feel like you can have a normal conversation without distrubing your fellow eaters
5. The prices almost seem to low to cover the cost of the food, let a lone labor. Yet, you get a generous serving size, and healthy ingredients. 

It seems like more and more, the truly successful companies are doing things their own way. Either like what their doing or they'll move onto the next customer. Chances are though, you'll like Papaya regardless though... especially my go-to #19 on wheat without mayo.

Go ahead, try it... but Subway just won't be the same afterward. ~Reed