After discontinuing the two proteins last year, Roast Beef and Rotisserie-Style Chicken will once again be available at Subway.
The company claims that beginning in the fall of 2021, roast beef will be brought back in the form of new Premium Angus roast beef.
Rotisserie-Style Chicken will return to menus beginning July 13, 2021 as part of the company’s largest menu update ever.
Frictions sparked between franchisees and franchisor
At the end of Business Insiders revelation of the return of the meats, there is a lingering feeling of resentment among the franchisees forced to implement changes with which they disagreed. “[Newly hired CEO John Chidsey] doesnt really communicate well with franchisees,” an anonymous source explained. “Its obvious that he thinks franchisees are his employees.”
The context of this is that while Subway corporate wanted to remove the popular proteins, they also wanted to promote a 2-for-$10 Footlong deal. Perhaps they intended this as compensation to the consumers whod lost their preferred meat. Regardless, Restaurant Business wrote that franchisees either refused to promote it or actively pushed back against the deal but were “bullied into honoring a promotion that [was] unprofitable to them.”
The plan was to profit from the most well-known promotion that Subway had ever run. It was claimed that since 2005, labor and food costs had increased to the point where franchisees could no longer make money by selling a $5 Footlong. The corporate Subway would nevertheless profit from the ensuing royalties even if Subway stores lose money and drive their family owners out of business. Franchisees even complained to the Federal Trade Commission, claiming that because so many of them didn’t intend to honor the promotion, it could be assumed that they were acting dishonestly and that they were being retaliated against despite being ostensibly independent contractors. The franchisees experience the ties of an unidentified owner, just like with the rotisserie chicken and roast beef.
Subway POV Roast Beef
FAQ
Does Subway still make roast beef subs?
This popular dish served on freshly baked bread of your choice is stuffed with thinly sliced roast beef. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.
Why did Subway discontinue roast beef?
Many customers now have sour tastes in their mouths as a result of the loss of the popular pair of meat options. According to online comments, customers who spoke with Subway franchise owners and staff claimed that the discontinuation was due to the meats’ exorbitant prices.
When did Subway remove roast beef?
The sandwiches were taken off the menus in June, and although there was never a formal explanation for the decision, Business Insider speculates that it may have something to do with the fact that roast beef and rotisserie chicken were two of the priciest proteins on the Subway menu.
What meat did Subway get rid of?
Customers are furious after Subway abruptly pulled chicken breast from its menus, asking, “Why didn’t anyone tell me?”