1. Subway’s prices aren’t that much cheaper than a lot of restaurants
Subway used to be synonymous with affordability. Where other fast food chains and restaurants were pricier than you’d probably like, you could feel assured that when you ate at Subway, you’d be getting a good amount of bang for your buck.
Unfortunately, though, in recent years, you’d be hard-pressed to feel like you’re getting a good deal at Subway. As Consumer Confidential’s David Lazarus explains,
“Consumers are starting to realize that if there’s little price differential between the likes of Subway and a fast-casual eatery, you might as well go fast casual and enjoy a sit-down experience.”
2. Its competitors are on the rise
Over the last few years, challengers have sought to take Subway’s crown.
One such challenger is Jersey Mike’s, which is clearly making a play to become the go-to place for sub sandwiches in the U.S. — and with growth of 13% in the first quarter of 2024 and consistent expansion in the years prior, it’s doing a pretty good job of doing so.
Jersey Mike’s isn’t the only chain that Subway needs to worry about, either. Jimmy John’s has also been growing over the last decade or so, with the franchise model it operates under allowing it to scale at lightning speed.
3. The chain may well be cutting corners on its ingredients
The chain that long advertised its food under the “Eat Fresh” slogan has been accused of failing to live up to modern industry trends, and as a result, it’s being nudged out of consideration as folks opt for options using ingredients that don’t feel so cheap or past their prime.
These accusations haven’t just come from customers, either: They’ve also come from the very franchisees that run its stores …
