Customers and franchisees have questioned Subway’s strategy
During the early stages of the pandemic, Subway was one of many restaurant chains that reduced the number of menu items available, along with McDonalds, Panda Express, and Taco Bell.
However, Subway managers wanted to bring back the two sandwiches when restrictions were lifted in some US regions to appease customers who had been calling for the return of the two premium subs on social media.
“The customer reaction was horrendous,” the franchisee said. “People were pissed off that those two items were gone. They should have brought them back sooner, but they didn’t But this year, they finally announced that they were bringing them back. “.
“I wont eat at Subway again until they bring back Roast beef,” reads one recent comment on Subways 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 thats the stupidest thing I heard today. I canceled my order and walked out.”
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 companys decision to require stores to pre-pandemic hours of operation, despite sales slumps and difficulty staffing locations.
The top-down strategy is attributed by some franchisees to CEO John Chidsey, who was hired in November 2019.
He has trouble communicating with franchisees, according to a second franchisee, who spoke to Insider. This source also requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media by the company. “Its obvious that he thinks franchisees are his employees. “.
Franchisees “are an important and influential part of our business,” a Subway representative told Insider. “.
In order to foster long-term growth and evolve our business together, the company said in a statement, “We encourage and maintain an open line of communication with our franchise investors, which has recently included navigating through a global pandemic and changes to our menu.” As we continue to develop and transform, we pay close attention to the opinions of both franchisees and customers. “.
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Subway POV Roast Beef
FAQ
Will Subway bring back roast beef?
Roast Beef: To end the year 2021, Subway brought back roast beef, making it better than ever with new and improved oven-roasted Choice Angus Roast Beef—the highest quality roast beef ever offered by Subway. Veggie mainstays lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and red onions are then placed on top of the flavorful roast beef.
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.
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?”
Why doesn t Subway have roast chicken anymore?
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.