03:34 PM CST on Tuesday, December 30, 2003

From 11 News Staff Reports

HOUSTON -- In a world of Subways and Blimpies, one Houston sandwich shop has held its own, but not for much longer. Sadly we're hearing Antone's Import Company in the 800 block of Taft and 8100 block of Kirby the will serve up its last sandwich New Year's Eve.

Loyal customers received the news Tuesday. The Houston eatery has been in the midst of a family legal spat over the rights to the popular sandwich chain following the death of Mrs. Antone last spring.

Besides indulging in one last po'boy, patrons can buy furniture, old familiar knick-knacks and other merchandise.

The Original Antone's Import Company opened in 1962 when the late Jalal Antone opened his first grocery store and began making sandwiches. The chain sells more than 100,000 sandwiches every month.

Only the family owned locations on Taft and Kirby will close Wednesday. You'll still be able to buy Antone's po'boys at certain convenience stores.