Ralston Street in Reno, Nevada was named after William Ralston, a prominent businessman and founder of the Bank of California. Ralston was instrumental in the development of the Comstock Lode, a major silver deposit in Virginia City, Nevada, in the late 1800s. He also played a key role in the founding of Reno, which was established as a transportation hub for the Comstock Lode mining operations.
As I walked down Ralston St, the 1.4 mile long street that runs parallel to Sierra St and Virginia St, the street's broken asphalt and abundance of electric cables caught my attention. While it may not be the most visually appealing street in the city, it has a certain charm that draws people in. At the heart of Ralston is Pub N’ Sub, a beloved pub famous for their pizza, chicken wings, and cheap beers that has been serving the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) community since 1974.
Pub N Sub's history is as rich as the pizzas it serves. Founded by Steve Mathers, a UNR grad, the establishment used to be a grocery market run by a family. Mathers bought the place and started his business, deciding to only serve light alcohol and create a place for friends. The pub quickly became a popular hangout spot for students, faculty and locals alike. Its walls are adorned with UNR memorabilia, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.
Normally, six staff work simultaneously: two people take food orders and prepare sandwiches, one person serves drinks at the bar, and three people work in the kitchen to make the food.
During my visits, I had the opportunity to speak with a few Pub N’ Sub's employees and regulars. Western, a 26-year-old former journalism student and KOLO TV employee, told me he found his true passion in creative writing, so he quit his job and has been working at the pub for more than four years. Cole, a 23-year-old engineering student at UNR, introduced me to Mitch, a longtime regular who has been coming to Pub N’ Sub for over 20 years. Mitch moved to Reno from Los Angeles to attend UNR, and he and Mathers met there. After graduation, he found a job teaching at a local school and has stayed in Reno ever since, drawn in by the area's natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. His favorite activities are skiing in the mountains and swimming in the summer in the Truckee River.
Ralston Street’s other notable feature is the fire station. It stands out not only for its location in the middle of the street but also for its striking blue color. The university's official colors are navy blue and silver, which are meant to represent the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. The fire station was painted blue to reflect the university's colors, a symbol of the close relationship between the school and the city. In contrast, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has red as its primary color, and it's not uncommon for Reno residents to avoid using anything red as a nod to the rivalry between the two schools. The strong and palpable rivalry between UNR and UNLV is a testament to the passion and loyalty that Reno residents have for their beloved university, and the fire station serves as a physical representation of that connection.
But beyond the colors and the rivalry, Ralston St and Pub N’ Sub are emblematic of the unique character of Reno. The street may not be the most polished or glamorous, but it has a certain authenticity that can't be replicated. The people who come to Pub N’ Sub aren't there for the aesthetics; they're there for the sense of community and camaraderie.