HAMPTON -- The first year of ownership can be difficult.

Ask Ann Marie and Joseph Goudreault, who purchased TNT Subs, located at 725 Lafayette Road, in December 2004, and they might be able to share a story or two.

Like the first 30 days of ownership, when both the grill and the freezer needed to be replaced. Or maybe later in the year, when the little shop was robbed and then a week later experienced a fire that shut the business down for 11 days.

"It's been an interesting year," said Ann Marie. "We're hoping for a better year this year."

The two have lived in Exeter for the last 16 years and were both at a point when they were ready to try something different with their careers.

"About two and a half years ago we had both been laid off; we both worked in manufacturing. I've always talked about owning a business," said Ann Marie.

Now 14 months later, for Ann Marie owning a business where she can meet and feed people is a perfect match.

"I've definitely developed relationships with people in the community. I love people," she said. "That's probably the best thing about this business is getting to know the people and what they want to eat. If he (Joseph) were here he would tell you this is the perfect job for me because I love to feed people."

The Goudreaults are now planning to bring a few new things to their business in the coming months — seafood for one. Ann Marie said they are also hoping to purchase a convection oven so that she will be able to bake her homemade cakes and whoopie pies on the premises. Of course, favorites such as steak and cheese subs and chicken fingers will continue to be available.

Ann Marie said when the couple that first purchased the business there wasn't a lot of seating, something that needed to change as the Goudreaults wanted to offer families a place to come in for a good meal.

"We cook everything fresh," she said, "It's all the things that you look for that you don't always get."

As for the ownership of the business now?

"Every time something breaks we just kind of laugh about it," said Ann Marie.

For TNT Subs' daily specials, call (603) 926-2076.