Introduction
When it comes to sandwiches, there are a lot of options out there. But not all of them are worth the money. According to customers, there are four sandwich chains that are particularly overpriced. Eat This Not That has compiled a list of these sandwich chains, along with some tips on how to save money when eating out. Read on to find out which sandwich chains are the most overpriced and how to save money when eating out.
4 Most Overpriced Sandwich Chains, According to Customers — Eat This Not That
When it comes to grabbing a quick sandwich, there are plenty of options out there. But not all sandwich chains are created equal. Some are overpriced and don’t offer the best value for your money. Here are four sandwich chains that customers have deemed to be the most overpriced.
1. Subway
Subway is one of the most popular sandwich chains in the world, but customers have complained that it’s overpriced. The chain is known for its “footlong” sandwiches, but they don’t always measure up to the 12-inch mark. Plus, the prices can be higher than other sandwich chains.
2. Quiznos
Quiznos is another popular sandwich chain, but customers have complained that it’s overpriced. The chain is known for its toasted subs, but the prices can be higher than other sandwich chains. Plus, the portions can be smaller than expected.
3. Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s is a popular sandwich chain, but customers have complained that it’s overpriced. The chain is known for its “freaky fast” delivery, but the prices can be higher than other sandwich chains. Plus, the portions can be smaller than expected.
4. Potbelly
Potbelly is another popular sandwich chain, but customers have complained that it’s overpriced. The chain is known for its toasted sandwiches, but the prices can be higher than other sandwich chains. Plus, the portions can be smaller than expected.
When it comes to grabbing a quick sandwich, it’s important to consider value for your money. These four sandwich chains have been deemed to be the most overpriced by customers, so it’s best to look for other options.
Leading fast-food chains have been slowly but steadily increasing their menu prices in the past year. Both McDonald’s and Chipotle dialed up their rates in 2021 (6% and 10%, respectively), and Wendy’s and Starbucks are scheduled to make further adjustments to pricing in the coming months.
While consumers have mostly gone along with the price increases so far, things may be reaching a tipping point, especially when it comes to some of the simplest, most basic items like sandwiches.
According to Forbes, visits to drive-thrus have decreased in 2022, with the average consumer making one less drive-thru visit per week. Moreover, the consumer perception of value is beginning to shift, with a majority of consumers (63%) considering current dine-out prices to be “too high.” Add to that the disappointment of paying top dollar for an underwhelming item and soon enough, brands that don’t provide enough bang for America’s collective buck may be in trouble.
We looked at the current prices and customer sentiments regarding America’s leading sandwich chains. Are these sandwich-slingers really offering value for money? Here are the four fast-food sandwich chains that customers think are overpriced.
And don’t miss 8 Sandwich Chains That Use the Highest Quality Ingredients.
Founded by two firefighter brothers, Firehouse Subs got its start in the early 1990s and grew quickly during the 2000s, expanding to one thousand locations by 2016. The chain was acquired by Burger King’s parent company late last year and is now on a Popeyes-style growth trajectory.
But as popular as Firehouse Subs has become, there’s no shortage of complaints about the chain’s prices. One customer characterized the chain as “the definition of Finesse Gods,” and others have reported paying anywhere from $13 to $16 for a single sandwich. The chain’s signature sub, The Hook and Ladder (packed with turkey breast and honey ham) currently goes for $9.55 for a medium size (seven to eight inches).
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Famous for its menu of no-frills clubs, cubanos, and melts—and its flagship “Gargantuan” sandwich—Jimmy John’s currently ranks among the top four largest sandwich chains in America.
But like the other chains on this list, Jimmy John’s has its fair share of critics that say the chain’s sandwiches just aren’t worth the price.
“Jimmy John’s is overrated and extremely overpriced. You shouldn’t have to take out a second mortgage on your house just to get an extra slice of cheese on your sandwich,” said one customer on Twitter.
Even Jimmy John’s fans seem to agree on this point, with one customer calling the chain’s subs “[the] best tasting overpriced sandwiches.”
Jersey Mike’s was launched in 1956 in Point Pleasant, N.J. Beloved for its fresh subs (the chain uses fresh-baked bread and cooks and trims the meat in store) and charismatic CEO, it is currently the fifth-largest in the industry.
But selling “the most authentic tasting submarine sandwich available” comes at a price—one that Jersey Mike’s customers have begun to notice in the past year. However highly customers may rate the chain’s premium sandwiches, they’re not thrilled with Jersey Mike’s pricing.
A regular-sized Original Italian currently goes for $9.25—about $3 more than an All-American Club at Subway—and customers shelling out anywhere from $12 to $20 on other sandwiches from the chain have complained about pricing on Twitter.
“Agree with Jersey Mikes charging way too much. My go to used to be the giant Philly Mikes way. Great sandwich but not worth the price. In n Out and Chick-fil-A offer excellent products with great value…[email protected] why are your subs so overpriced?” said one customer. Another pointed out that the chain’s sandwiches are “skimpy on the meat” and “small 4 the price.”
Another Twitter user agreed about the size: “I swear every time I go to @jerseymikes the rolls get smaller n the price goes up…I’m literally getting a small sandwich for a large sandwich price compared to what we get in #Philly Might be cheaper to ship the real deal for the price!”
Chicago-based Potbelly has been around since the 1970s, beloved by fans for its toasted sandwiches, diverse sides, and indulgent milkshakes. After struggling during the pandemic with store closures (and a brush with scandal), Potbelly is currently on the mend, reporting strong sales growth in its most recent quarter and announcing ambitious expansion plans.
Value, however, remains a trouble spot for the chain. Potbelly announced in late 2021 that it would not be increasing the prices of its sandwiches. Nonetheless, complaints about pricing at the Chicago chain have continued to trickle in on Twitter, where dissatisfied customers have complained of “much smaller portion sizes but the same price” and being charged anywhere from $12 to $37 for single orders of the chain’s premium toasted sandwiches.
Owen Duff