Subway will bring back roast beef and rotisserie chicken after months of demands from franchisees and angry customers (2024)

  • Subway will bring back its roast beef and rotisserie chicken this summer, sources told Insider.
  • The two sandwiches disappeared last year, to the dismay of some customers and franchisees.
  • "Who has a deli shop without roast beef? I mean, it's ridiculous," said one Subway franchisee.
  • See more stories on Insider's business page.

Subway will bring back roast beef and rotisserie chicken after months of demands from franchisees and angry customers (1)

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Subway will bring back roast beef and rotisserie chicken after months of demands from franchisees and angry customers (3)

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Subway is bringing back its roast beef and rotisserie chicken sandwiches.

The deli staples are finally returning to the menu this summer after disappearing last June, two sources with direct knowledge told Insider.

A Subway representative said in an email to Insider that while the chain "can't unpack all the details just yet, we can confirm that fresh, exciting changes are coming for Subway fans. We look forward to sharing more with you soon."

When Subway got rid of the sandwiches last year, it was a top-down decision that some operators questioned, according to a veteran Subway franchisee operator from California who wished to remain anonymous.

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"Plus who has a deli shop without roast beef? I mean, it's ridiculous," the franchisee added. Subway blamed the menu cuts on the pandemic, the franchisee said.

Customers and franchisees have questioned Subway's strategy

Subway was among many restaurant chains like McDonald's, Panda Express, and Taco Bell that trimmed menu items during the early days of the pandemic.

But when restrictions lifted in various parts of the US, Subway operators wanted to bring back the two sandwiches to appease consumers, who were demanding the return of the two premium subs on social media.

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—Michael Smith (@techmikesmith) March 24, 2021
—Jacob (@JLMPrivate) March 27, 2021
—Shelby Steverson (@Shebysaurusrex) March 23, 2021

"The customer reaction was horrendous," the franchisee said. "People were pissed off that those two items were gone. You would think that they would bring them back faster, but they didn't. But finally, this year, they said they are bringing them back."

"I won't eat at Subway again until they bring back Roast beef," reads one recent comment on Subway's Facebook page. "I thought it was a temporary thing but the restaurant I was at today said it was a forever thing. So I said that's the stupidest thing I heard today. I canceled my order and walked out."

—Kyle Segura (@kyle_segura) March 26, 2021
—Michael Smith (@techmikesmith) March 24, 2021
—rhia (@rhialemasters) January 12, 2021

The decision to ditch rotisserie chicken and roast beef is not the only strategy that franchisees say has come from the top without support from the operators that own 100% of Subway locations across the US.

Last June, many franchisees refused to participate in a heavily-hyped two-for-$10 sandwich deal. Franchisees told Insider they have also pushed back on the company's decision to require stores to pre-pandemic hours of operation, despite sales slumps and difficulty staffing locations.

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Some franchisees blame CEO John Chidsey, who was hired in November 2019, for the top-down approach.

"He doesn't really communicate well with franchisees," a second franchisee told Insider. This source also asked to remain anonymous as this person was not authorized by the company to speak to the press. "It's obvious that he thinks franchisees are his employees."

A Subway representative said in a statement to Insider that franchisees "are an important and influential part of our business."

"We encourage and maintain an open line of communication with our franchise investors to drive long-term growth and evolve our business together, which has recently included navigating through a global pandemic and changes to our menu," the company said in a statement. "We listen closely to feedback from both franchisees and guests as we continue to grow and transform."

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Are you a Subway franchisee or employee with a story to share? Email ktaylor@insider.com and nluna@insider.com, or get in touch via the Signal encrypted messenger app at (646) 768-4740 or (714) 875-6218

Subway will bring back roast beef and rotisserie chicken after months of demands from franchisees and angry customers (2024)

FAQs

Subway will bring back roast beef and rotisserie chicken after months of demands from franchisees and angry customers? ›

Subway will bring back its roast beef and rotisserie chicken this summer, sources told Insider. The two sandwiches disappeared last year, to the dismay of some customers and franchisees. "Who has a deli shop without roast beef? I mean, it's ridiculous," said one Subway franchisee.

Has Subway brought back roast beef? ›

Roast Beef: Subway closed out 2021 with the return of roast beef, back better than ever with new and improved oven-roasted Choice Angus Roast Beef—Subway's highest quality roast beef ever.

What happened to the oven roasted chicken at Subway? ›

Subway recently (and subtly) bid adieu to one of its most delicious protein options— roasted chicken breast. According to The Takeout, the sandwich chain didn't get rid of its “grilled chicken strips used in the popular Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki and Buffalo Chicken sandwiches, but rather the chicken breast patty.

Is Subway roast beef really beef? ›

Stuffed with thinly cut slices of roast beef, this crowd favorite is served on the oven-fresh bread of your choice. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.

When did Subway get rotisserie chicken? ›

There are two new chicken sandwiches highlighting the chain's rotisserie-style chicken introduced in 2016. The slow-roasted chicken is hand-pulled in restaurants, the chain says.

Is Subway going to start cutting their own meat? ›

MIAMI (July 5, 2023) -- Subway announces the arrival of freshly sliced meats in U.S. restaurants – its latest and biggest change since the brand began its efforts to improve every aspect of the guest experience, headlined by a better menu, which began in 2021.

Is Subway rotisserie chicken real meat? ›

Our U.S. Chicken

Our Oven Roasted Chicken and chicken strips are made from 100 percent all white meat chicken. The chicken is mixed with spices, seasoning and marinade then cooked and seared to perfection. When we add spices and seasoning to the marinade, we also add – in some regions – dried soy protein, like a spice.

Does Subway have Oven Roasted Chicken? ›

The Oven Roasted Chicken you love is piled high atop freshly baked bread with your favorite toppings from spicy jalapenos to crisp green peppers. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.

Is roasted chicken healthy Subway? ›

The Subway Roasted Chicken Sandwich is a classic sandwich from the Subway sandwich chain. It is made with freshly roasted chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and your choice of condiments. The sandwich is served on freshly baked bread and is a great option for a quick and healthy meal.

What is the most popular meat at Subway? ›

Here in the U.S., turkey and tuna hold the title as Subway's most popular sandwiches. That's far from the case around the world, where unique and market-specific items create more than 37 million possible sandwich combinations across 100-plus countries.

How healthy is Subway roast beef? ›

Subway Roast Beef sandwiches are one of the sandwiches that contain the lowest amount of sodium—which is a great thing! Plus, a 6-inch version contains only 300 calories, making it a great choice for people who are focused on losing weight or cutting calories.

Why is Subway roast beef green? ›

Meat contains iron, fat, and many other compounds. When light hits a slice of meat, it splits into colors like a rainbow. There are also various pigments in meat compounds which can give it an iridescent or greenish cast when exposed to heat and processing. Iridescent beef isn't spoiled necessarily.

Does Subway rotisserie chicken have nitrates? ›

Yes, in most of them. The turkey and chicken breast are nitrate free, but anything cured (ham, salami, etc.) has nitrates.

Does Subway use processed meat? ›

Another issue with Subway is its use of processed meats. Many of their meats, such as ham and turkey, are highly processed and contain additives and preservatives.

Did KFC ever have rotisserie chicken? ›

In 1993, rotisserie style chicken, under the name "Colonel's Rotisserie Gold", was introduced at over 30 percent of US outlets.

Is the big beef back at Subway? ›

We know customers look for variety, quality and value when it comes to lunch choices – which is why the well-loved Big Beef & Chorizo Melt is back on the menu, as well as our new Premium Subs.

What is the new meat called at Subway? ›

The Titan Turkey and Grand Slam Ham feature 33% more meat than traditional subs, and the Beast boasts a half pound of meat. All Deli Heroes come with double cheese, served on Subway's freshly baked bread with the optimal combination of sauces and vegetables – which Subway slices fresh in restaurants every day.

What has Subway discontinued? ›

In 2020, Subway made the unpopular decision to stop selling both roast beef and rotisserie chicken, reportedly because they were the two most expensive meat toppings on their menu. The menu cuts were a big flop, though, with angry franchisees and customers flooding Subway with complaints.

What did the Subway change recently? ›

Today, Subway has announced the first update to its game changing Subway Series menu since its debut in July 2022. This includes double cheese, two brand new sandwiches and new twists on four fan favorites from Subway's culinary team.

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