When the owners, Rich and Rob Santoro, announced the news earlier this week, they weren’t sure how people would react.

The closure will mark the end of a family-owned business that’s been around for 65 years, serving up steak bombs, Italian cold cuts, and other submarine sandwiches to hungry customers.

Santoro’s Sub-Villa, a popular sub shop on Route 1 in Saugus, is closing down in February.

The two brothers usually work alternating shifts at the shop, but since word has spread about the pending closure, they’ve been working the front lines together, one slinging subs, and the other consoling customers.

“It’s been a crazy onslaught of customers,” said Rich Santoro, 55. “It’s just been nonstop.”


According to the Santoro brothers, the reactions of patrons have ranged from shock (“Why? Why?”) to denial (“Say it isn’t so!”), but the overall response has been that of heartfelt thanks and appreciation.

“It’s been very humbling for us,” said Rob Santoro, 56. “It’s been nice to see.”

Ryan Groark made Sub-Villa Specials. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

The sub shop has been a staple in Saugus since 1954, when their grandfather, Robert Santoro Sr., opened the first Santoro’s location on Route 1.

“Hilltop and Kowloon were the only places on Route 1 at the time,” said Rich Santoro.

Robert Santoro Sr. and Robert Santoro Jr. worked hard to build up their customer base and expand the menu, and the family business eventually grew to include sub shops in Middleton, Reading, Melrose, Framingham, Norwood, Nashua, N.H., and Rutland, Vt. Those shops have since closed or have been sold. (There’s also a Santoro’s in Peabody that’s owned by their cousin.)

Rob and Richard Santoro started working for the family business in the 1980s, and they’ve been making subs and waiting on customers ever since.

As third-generation owners, the Santoro brothers do it all, from prepping food to cooking to ringing up orders and serving customers. Rich’s wife, Joy, 50, runs the catering side of the business. Their sister, Gail Santoro Eaton, 58, took over the bookkeeping and payroll after their mother, Lois, retired. (Lois, 84, now lives in Florida. Their father, Robert Santoro Jr., passed away in 2013.)


The Santoro brothers say their customers and employees are like family. It’s always been that way, ever since their grandfather and father were in charge. “That’s what made us a family business,” Rich Santoro said.

Brothers Rob (left) and Rich Santoro worked in the kitchen. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

That’s also what makes closing the place so hard. There’s a lot of history there.

“It’s very hard, because my grandfather started this business,” Rob Santoro said. “It’s very difficult for us. This has been our life.”

The brothers are planning to close the shop sometime during the week after Super Bowl Sunday, which is Feb. 3, but an exact date has not been finalized. Until then, Santoro’s Sub-Villa will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (the shop is closed on Mondays).

For the brothers, saying goodbye to so many longtime customers and employees hasn’t been easy.

“We’ve had generations of families work for us, and we’ve had generations of customers . . . lifelong customers,” Rich Santoro said. “We’re going to miss that.”

Chuck Saldi, 62, says he has been a Santoro’s customer for more than 30 years. He said he used to live down the street from the shop, and that family members of his have worked there.


“The quality of the product was great. You never got a bad sandwich,” he said.

“They will be sorely missed.”

A sign at the store states that they are retiring after 65 years in business, along with a final farewell to their clientele: “Don’t be sad it’s over, smile because you were part of it.”

For the brothers, saying goodbye to so many longtime customers and employees hasn’t been easy. Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff

Emily Sweeney can be reached at esweeney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @emilysweeney.