Introduction
Eat This Not That is here to provide you with the latest news on America’s biggest sandwich chain, which closed 1,000 locations last year. We’ll take a look at the reasons behind the closures, the impact it had on the chain, and what the future holds for the sandwich giant. We’ll also provide you with some tips on how to make healthier sandwich choices, so you can still enjoy your favorite sandwich without sacrificing your health. So, let’s dive in and find out what happened to America’s biggest sandwich chain.
America’s Biggest Sandwich Chain Closed 1,000 Locations Last Year — Eat This Not That
It’s no secret that 2020 was a difficult year for many businesses, and the restaurant industry was no exception. One of the biggest sandwich chains in the United States, Subway, closed 1,000 locations last year due to the pandemic. This is a significant loss for the chain, which had more than 25,000 locations in the U.S. alone.
The closures have left many people wondering where to go for a quick and tasty sandwich. Fortunately, there are still plenty of options out there. Here are some of the best sandwich chains to try instead of Subway:
Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s is a popular sandwich chain that has been around since 1983. The chain is known for its fresh ingredients and fast service. They offer a variety of sandwiches, including subs, clubs, and wraps. They also offer a variety of sides, such as chips and cookies.
Firehouse Subs
Firehouse Subs is a fast-casual sandwich chain that has been around since 1994. The chain is known for its generous portions and flavorful ingredients. They offer a variety of hot and cold subs, as well as salads and sides. They also offer a variety of sauces to customize your sandwich.
Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s is a popular sandwich chain that has been around since 1956. The chain is known for its fresh-sliced meats and cheeses, as well as its signature “Mike’s Way” toppings. They offer a variety of hot and cold subs, as well as wraps and salads. They also offer a variety of sides, such as chips and cookies.
These are just a few of the many sandwich chains that are available. So, if you’re looking for a quick and tasty sandwich, there are plenty of options out there. Just remember to eat this, not that!
America’s largest sandwich chain is shrinking. According to the latest reports on the state of affairs over at Subway, the chain continues to shutter its American locations en masse and has lost as much as 5% of its domestic footprint during 2021 alone.
As Restaurant Business reports, Subway’s franchisees have shuttered more than 1,000 locations last year, bringing the chain’s American store count down to just over 21,000. For comparison’s sake, the chain boasted more than 27,000 domestic units in 2013.
For more, don’t miss Subway Plans To Make These Major Changes To the Menu, CEO Says.
The number of net closures in 2021 was lower than in 2020 when the chain lost upward of 1,600 restaurants (and according to franchisees, well over 2,000)—more than any other chain in the history of the business.
However, according to CEO John Chidsey, it’s all part of the plan, and Subway isn’t rushing to continue the frenzied growth it has been known for.
“I don’t really see a lot of growth in the U.S.,” he said earlier this year. “I still think there’s some non-traditional opportunities in the U.S. But we want to get away from being so unit-focused in the U.S and focus more on the quality of what we have.”
On the other hand, a franchisee who spoke to us last year predicted the chain’s demise could very well come from the demise of its mom-and-pop operators, who are closing up shop and getting out of the system.
“If Subway continues to ignore franchisees and do nothing, it wouldn’t surprise me if another 25% of the stores are gone in the next three years since the franchisees whose lease is coming up for renewal are not favorably eyeing this business,” he said.
The chain’s recent sales paint a more optimistic picture. Thanks to an extensive menu upgrade that was rolled out last July, Subway saw record sales in the summer the likes of which it hadn’t seen in eight years. Critics, however, contended that the improvement in the chain’s 2021 numbers was largely due to price inflation. Overall, the company is still chasing its pre-pandemic sales levels and lagging behind competitors, according to Restaurant Business.
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Mura Dominko