City Council cleared the way Saturday for Subway to open a restaurant at 320 King St.

The 50-seat restaurant will operate under the Subway Caf concept, which provides more upscale choices on the menu like gourmet sandwiches and gelato, according to the business application. 

It will be one of 50 Subway cafes in the country, according to the franchisees attorney Mary Catherine Gibbs. The national chain plans to have eight outdoor seats.

City Councilman Paul Smedberg said he reluctantly supports the fast-food restaurant coming to Old Town, and that he does not want the city to lose sight of supporting local business operations.

Its really a shame on some levels, he said. Nothing personal against Subway, but I hope we dont lose sight of our process.

Overall the Council was happy to have a business occupy the prime location across from Market Square, which has been vacant since June 2008.

Councilwoman Del Pepper said Subway is not a fast-food joint but a quick-service restaurant.

The Alexandria Board of Architectural Review must approve Subways signage before it opens.