scorecardI tried four sandwiches on Subway's newly revamped menu, and now I think the chain is finally turning things around
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  4. I tried four sandwiches on Subway's newly revamped menu, and now I think the chain is finally turning things around

I tried four sandwiches on Subway's newly revamped menu, and now I think the chain is finally turning things around

Mary Meisenzahl   

I tried four sandwiches on Subway's newly revamped menu, and now I think the chain is finally turning things around
A Subway tuna sandwich.Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
  • Subway just introduced a new menu with 12 sandwiches designed to be ordered as-is, without customization.
  • The menu is a departure from Subway's historical emphasis on customization.

Subway just introduced 12 new subs to its menu, along with a major change to its entire business model.

Subway just introduced 12 new subs to its menu, along with a major change to its entire business model.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The new Subway Series is made up of 12 sandwiches designed to be ordered as-is, a departure from Subway's typical create-your-own model.

The new Subway Series is made up of 12 sandwiches designed to be ordered as-is, a departure from Subway
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Though it is the largest fast food chain in the world by locations, Subway has struggled with declining sales, restaurant closures, and disgruntled franchisees in recent years.

Though it is the largest fast food chain in the world by locations, Subway has struggled with declining sales, restaurant closures, and disgruntled franchisees in recent years.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Source: Insider

In July 2021, the chain completed a massive menu overhaul with more than 20 changes.

In July 2021, the chain completed a massive menu overhaul with more than 20 changes.
Subway just refreshed its menu.      Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Source: Insider

Initially, the menu refresh seemed like a flop based on reports from Subway operators who said few customers turned up even with the promise of free sandwiches.

Initially, the menu refresh seemed like a flop based on reports from Subway operators who said few customers turned up even with the promise of free sandwiches.
Subway store refresh in California      Nancy Luna

Source: Insider

The menu updates and promotions seemed to work, though. Subway said it beat 2021 US sales expectations by $1.4 billion, and reached its highest average annual sales per restaurant since 2014.

The menu updates and promotions seemed to work, though. Subway said it beat 2021 US sales expectations by $1.4 billion, and reached its highest average annual sales per restaurant since 2014.
Subway just refreshed its menu.      Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Source: Insider

Now almost exactly a year later, Subway is making further menu changes in hopes of continuing positive momentum.

Now almost exactly a year later, Subway is making further menu changes in hopes of continuing positive momentum.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The new sandwiches come in four groups: Italianos, chicken, clubs, and cheesesteaks.

The new sandwiches come in four groups: Italianos, chicken, clubs, and cheesesteaks.
Subway

I ordered one from each group to test them out.

I ordered one from each group to test them out.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

All the ingredients on the sandwich are set, but you still pick what type of bread you want, and have the option to adjust ingredients to your taste.

All the ingredients on the sandwich are set, but you still pick what type of bread you want, and have the option to adjust ingredients to your taste.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The menu still seems new to workers, too. As they prepared my sandwiches, I noticed the employees turned around to confirm what ingredients went on each sandwich, and consulted each other to make sure they had it right.

The menu still seems new to workers, too. As they prepared my sandwiches, I noticed the employees turned around to confirm what ingredients went on each sandwich, and consulted each other to make sure they had it right.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I took my subs home to try them out.

I took my subs home to try them out.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I got each sample on a six-inch sub, which still ended up being plenty of food.

I got each sample on a six-inch sub, which still ended up being plenty of food.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

From the cheesesteak section I picked a classic Philly cheesesteak on garlic herb bread.

From the cheesesteak section I picked a classic Philly cheesesteak on garlic herb bread.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It came with steak, provolone, green peppers, and red onions, toasted.

It came with steak, provolone, green peppers, and red onions, toasted.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It was delicious and felt very hearty, a promising start.

It was delicious and felt very hearty, a promising start.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

From the Italiano sandwiches, I went with the bella mozza.

From the Italiano sandwiches, I went with the bella mozza.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It comes with ham, mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, red onions, and banana peppers. I again ordered the Italian herb bread.

It comes with ham, mozzarella, spinach, tomatoes, red onions, and banana peppers. I again ordered the Italian herb bread.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The mozzarella was a major highlight, making the sandwich better than any Subway sub I can remember eating.

The mozzarella was a major highlight, making the sandwich better than any Subway sub I can remember eating.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I picked the great garlic sandwich from the chicken options after a worker recommended I try roasted garlic aioli.

I picked the great garlic sandwich from the chicken options after a worker recommended I try roasted garlic aioli.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I was grateful for her recommendation. It was delicious, with the aioli on rotisserie chicken, bacon, provolone, and vegetables on Italian bread.

I was grateful for her recommendation. It was delicious, with the aioli on rotisserie chicken, bacon, provolone, and vegetables on Italian bread.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Finally, I also ordered the all-American club with turkey, ham, bacon, American cheese, and vegetables.

Finally, I also ordered the all-American club with turkey, ham, bacon, American cheese, and vegetables.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

The club was my least favorite of the bunch, and the most like what I usually think of as a Subway sandwich.

The club was my least favorite of the bunch, and the most like what I usually think of as a Subway sandwich.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

It wasn't bad, just a bit more bland and unmemorable than the others

It wasn
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

On the whole, I was quite impressed with Subway's menu update, and it made me want to visit again and try the others.

On the whole, I was quite impressed with Subway
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Last year, when I sampled Subway's menu update, I thought it was okay but not good enough to save the struggling chain.

Last year, when I sampled Subway
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Source: Insider

This year, my hopes are much higher. 2021's changes pushed sales up, and the new menu items are an even bigger improvement.

This year, my hopes are much higher. 2021
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

I think we're seeing the beginning of a new era for Subway.

I think we
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Are you a Subway employee with thoughts on the new menu? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

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