We were saddened to hear the news that Norm and Marlene Blaser are closing Austin’s Quiznos sometime in August, unless someone buys the business.

The Blasers are just one example of the many stand-up small business owners who give back to the community.

The Blasers have received several recognitions and awards since they took over the business in 2005. Quiznos was named 2011 Austin Area Chamber of Commerce business of the year.

In 2007, the restaurant was recognized as 10th best in the nation in customer service. Marlene said she and other employees are able to call many of their customers by name, and the Austin Quiznos was also a training restaurant for new Quiznos owners in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and parts of Wisconsin.

The Blasers, both cancer survivors, have been involved in several cancer fundraisers like Paint the Town Pink and the Mower County Relay For Life for several years. In late 2013, the Austin Quiznos placed first among all Quiznos in the U.S. by raising $1,160 during a six-week fundraising campaign for leukemia.

The couple is a reminder that business owners do more than just sell products; many give back to the community through various causes.