Tarpon Springs

Faraway Joes Bringing Family-Friendly Sandwich Shop to Tarpon Springs

The concept will combine affordable sandwiches, sweet treats, and interactive experiences for kids and adults.

320 East Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 ⏐ Image from Google Earth Pro

TARPON SPRINGS, FL — Faraway Joes Family Friendly Subs & More is preparing to open inside Tarpon Springs Castle Winery at 320 East Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689. Joe Marks, who owns the winery with his wife, Diana Marks, told Business Debut the shop is targeting an opening in about four weeks, pending final approvals.

The business is a partnership between Joe Marks, Diana Marks and Wesley Clemmens. Marks told Business Debut that Tarpon Springs Castle Winery will continue operating in the same building after 27 years in business.

What to Expect

Faraway Joes Family Friendly Subs & More will be a quick-service sandwich shop with indoor seating and a botanical courtyard outside. Marks told Business Debut the goal is to offer a place where families can eat without “breaking the bank,” while children and adults have something to enjoy.

The shop is expected to include supervised cotton candy rolling for kids, with adults welcome to join in, along with a hot dog topping station and a mini donut station where guests can add their own toppings. Marks told Business Debut that sandwich orders will include a mini donut, with additional mini donuts also available for purchase.

Marks said the team also plans to bring surprise moments into the day, including ringing a cowbell outside before bringing around free popcorn or cotton candy. Special appearances from a face painter, magician, clown, juggler or live musician may also be announced through social media, Marks told Business Debut.

The menu is expected to include hot dogs, popcorn, mini donuts, cotton candy, slushies, salads, soups and about eight to 10 sandwiches, including vegan and vegetarian options. Marks told Business Debut sandwich prices are expected to start around $7 and top out around $10.50 to $11, with the goal of giving families an affordable place to eat together.

Marks, a veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, said affordability and accessibility are central to the concept. He told Business Debut he wants Faraway Joes to be a place where families, veterans and first responders can gather without spending too much.

“We’re very friendly to veterans,” Marks told Business Debut. “Veterans will always have 10% off and first responders.”

Guests can expect classic sandwiches such as Cuban, ham and cheese, roast beef, turkey and Philly-style steak, along with a carne asada sandwich. Marks said the team also plans to offer vegetarian and vegan options, including soups and sandwiches.

The shop will also offer wine and beer for adults through Tarpon Springs Castle Winery. Marks told Business Debut the winery’s existing customers will still be able to buy wine by the glass, bottle or case.

Art, Courtyard and Culture

The space will feature artwork throughout the tasting room and other areas of the building. Marks told Business Debut that he and Diana have collected fine art for more than 40 years, including signed works and original oil paintings, with some pieces also available for sale.

Outside, the botanical courtyard will include fruit trees, flowers, herbs and a Dutchman’s pipe vine growing on the pergola. Marks described the space as similar to a European courtyard, with pavers, misters in the summer, heaters in the winter and umbrellas over picnic tables.

The courtyard is also planned to be dog-friendly, with water bowls available outside. Marks said the team plans to place a small outdoor sink near a sign with a dog’s face that says, “Please mommy give me a drink.”