Nancy Monette has been a vegetarian for over five decades, and for 32 of those years, she owned Subway restaurants.

The franchise became a fast-food haven when her daughter started working at a Subway in Athol, Mass. Instead of the McDonald’s plain bun and cheese, Monette had a selection of vegetables at the Subway counter.

“I loved it, as a vegetarian,” Monette said.

After three decades, the Jaffrey location was her last restaurant; it closed Oct. 20 after 13 years of operation. Now, Monette, who just turned 65, plans to enjoy retirement at her home in Royalston, Mass.

Despite attempts to sell the Subway, Monette said she couldn’t find a buyer, even with help from the parent company. While the landlords have given her space to move out and transition smoothly into retirement, Monette said the parent company has not taken the news well.

“It can be tough, and I’m glad to be done, but overall it’s been a positive experience,” she said.

When Monette worked as an administrative assistant at Franklin Pierce College before it became a university in 2007, she drove through Winchendon, Mass., on her way to work. Eventually, she decided Toy Town needed a Subway and got a loan to start her own franchise.

Over the years, she has run locations in Athol, Rindge and added Jaffrey as part of her expansion. The Rindge Subway in the Walmart eventually closed, and Monette sold her Massachusetts restaurants two years ago.

Monette said she’s still close friends with lots of the employees she had when the Subway restaurants opened.

“It was great. I’ve had some really, really good employees,” she said.

Looking back on the era of eating fresh and feeling good, Monette has fond memories of customers and employees. She said she has stepped up to teach and mother some of the younger employees.

“It can be a real family business,” Monette said.

While she’s sad to leave Jaffrey, Monette said, she is ready for retirement. She’s excited to enjoy her large property and spend more time hiking and exploring the outdoors.

“Who knows what else I’ll do?” she said. “I’ve still got some good time left.”