Silverball Subs is doing more than providing a taste of the Northeast in Asheville.
Their mission is to bring a true New York / New Jersey-style sub experience to Asheville while also growing deep roots in the WNC community. Established in 2021, Silverball Subs wants people to feel like they’re getting more than just a sandwich: they’re supporting a West Asheville business that values quality, hospitality and local relationships. They prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients — often sourced right here in WNC. And their fun and funky West Asheville location, equipped with arcade games and pinball machines, is a real stand-out in Asheville’s dining scene.
We sat down and spoke with Karla Merren, the owner of Silverball Subs, to discuss what makes their business unique, the qualities of an ideal restaurant employee and the ways in which Hurricane Helene impacted their business.
How did you come up with your idea or concept for your business?
I loved the idea of making sandwiches with the freshest ingredients available while also creating a place where people could enjoy arcade games and pinball after dining. West Asheville — especially the Leicester Highway area where we are located — does not have many casual places with activities for kids, so the “one-stop shop” concept really stood out to me. It is not just a place to grab food: it is a place where families and friends can eat, relax and have some fun.
“It is not just a place to grab food: it is a place where families and friends can eat, relax and have some fun.”
What makes your business unique in its field?
We are more than a traditional sub shop. Our 2,400-square-foot space is larger than many sub shops, which allows us to offer more than just a quick meal. We have arcade games and pinball machines; we play music, broadcast wrestling matches and rent our space for private meetings, parties and community gatherings. That gives customers a place where they can eat, hang out and enjoy something different without having to leave the neighborhood.
We also work hard to support local and regional vendors whenever possible. We purchase produce from the WNC Farmers Market, use bread from a local bakery, carry North Carolina-made Carolina Kettle Chips and offer Boylan’s fountain drinks, which are made with cane sugar and offer a higher quality alternative to the typical national soda brands.
What qualities do you look for when hiring a new employee?
I look for people with common sense, diligence, integrity, good communication skills and respect for both customers and coworkers. I also appreciate people who have hobbies or interests outside of work because it often shows personality, curiosity and the ability to connect with others. For us, the right person is someone who cares about doing the job well, takes pride in their work, and understands that hospitality is just as important as making a great sub.
“We believe a local business should do more than sell food — it should connect with the community. And we look for employees who embody that spirit.“
Most importantly, our staff is genuinely passionate about what they do, and we make it a point to know our customers by name, remember how they like their subs built and create a place where people feel seen and welcomed. We believe a local business should do more than sell food — it should connect with the community. And we look for employees who embody that spirit.
During your first year of business, what was the greatest lesson you learned?
Hurricane Helene happened just four months after I purchased the sub shop. That experience taught me many practical lessons — like how to adjust operations with minimal water, reduce the menu to the bare essentials and still offer items that our guests enjoyed. But the greatest lesson was much deeper: it reminded me that we are all connected and that nothing meaningful can be accomplished without community support.
Immediately after the storm, we had no power and no water; so many of our challenges felt overwhelming. Then customers began to reach out and offer support. One of them let us know that a new well had been dug and that we could fill up as much water as we needed. Another shared information about a loan opportunity through Mountain BizWorks to help with storm-related repairs and recovery. Those moments showed me how much people in Asheville care care and how powerful it is when neighbors share resources and encouragement.