The Larsen family founded the chain under the name "Sub Shop" in 1972 in Sparks, Nevada. John Larsen purchased the company in 1975[1] and renamed it Port of Subs after holding a community-wide contest for its new name. Between 1975 and 1985, ten more shops were established before Port of Subs became a regional franchise.[2] The shop currently has more than 140 locations throughout the western United States. It can be found in Nevada, California, Utah, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. [3] The name “Port of Subs” came from a sponsored contest for a new name, which received more than 10,000 entries. Port of Subs was acquired by Area 15 Ventures, LLC in 2023, whose Chairman is Dave Liniger, Co-Founder of RE/MAX.