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Subway Finds Fresh Start After 2015 Flood

A Columbia business that's been closed for nearly three years after the 2015 Flood is now reopened.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - One Columbia business is looking at a fresh start after their business was flooded durning the 2015 Flood.

October 4th, 2015 is a day Payal Thakker's family will never forget.

"Subway is under water. I said, 'What do you mean Subway is underwater,' and he said I don't know what we're going to do," said Payal.

Payal Thakker’s mother, Jay, and her father have owned the Subway off of Devine Street for over two decades.

"That day we just went in a very deep shock. I just said, 'I don't know how we're going to get back on our feet," explained Jay.

When the October floods came through, it left their family business in a mess.

"My parents have been without an income for three years and to build back up from the ground up has not been easy," said Payal.

Although they were left with nothing, they found the vision to have a fresh start

"We are in our brand-new building. This is the new, what Subway calls, the fresh forward design. We are the only ones in the area, if not the region, that have this design at the moment," explained Payal.

They're now open right across the street from where they once were right next to Staples and Bi-Lo.

It took almost three years but they found a way build their business back up.

"It's a testament to their resilience, their perseverance, their faith in themselves. My brother and I couldn't be more proud of everything they've achieved," said Payal.

The family is ready to see familiar faces and making their sandwiches just how they used to.

"When they're walking in, it is already ready for them. We know they don't have to tell us what they want. We know what they want," said Jay.

"That's kind of thing we're looking forward to the most is just seeing those familiar faces again and just being able to serve our community again," explained Payal.

The family says they are planning to bulldoze the old Subway building soon.

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