Blimpie Prototype Store Has Pre-Made Sandwiches

A prototype store operated by Blimpie International is providing customers with pre-made sandwiches, a major change for a company that made its name on custom preparation.The store, located in Kansas City, also has pre-made salads, according to officials.

'There's a compression in time," said one official. "People need to get in and get out. This store is meeting that need."The pilot location also features two checkout lines to get customers in and out more efficiently.Blimpie has decided to incorporate the design in all new company and franchised stores, including at least one of its Xpress sites in Wal-Mart, part of a deal with the big-box retailer signed earlier this year.