A Spokane couple say they're opening a Jimmy John's sandwich shop franchise location at 124 N. Wall in downtown Spokane.

The couple, Ric Rocca and his wife, Kathy, were to open the store Monday, Dec. 21. Rocca says the outlet is their first. Rocca has a franchise license for up to three locations here. The downtown restaurant will employ between 15 and 20 people, mostly part time, he says.

The Champaign, Ill.-based chain Jimmy John's Franchise LLC that awarded the Roccas the franchise is popular in the Midwest, Rocca says. He says it's best known for its prepared-fresh-daily ingredients and speed of service.

"We have a system that allows us to make sandwiches very fast. We'd like to say we can get your sandwich made before you have your wallet out," he says. "That's our goal."

Rocca, who has worked for food-service companies such as Marriott International Inc., says he became interested in the Jimmy John's franchise while living in Madison, Wis.

His son worked at a Jimmy John's outlet there, and Rocca says, "I thought it was a great product and concept, and a great place to work."

Rocca, whose wife grew up in Coeur d'Alene, moved to the Spokane area about three years ago.

Gordon Hester and Michael Mathis, both of Spokane-based Kiemle & Hagood Co., handled the lease of the space to the Roccas, and Jill Oliveri, of First Western Properties, located in Tacoma, represented the couple.

Baker Construction & Development Inc., of Spokane, completed tenant improvements in the 1,550-square-foot store, which previously housed a D&B trading Co. store and a Quizno's sandwich shop.