Roast beef has long been a popular menu item at Subway restaurants However, in 2021, Subway made the decision to remove roast beef from its menus across the United States This upset many loyal customers who enjoyed the roast beef sandwich. Since then, Subway fans have been eagerly awaiting its return. So when will Subway bring back roast beef?
Why Roast Beef Was Removed From Subway’s Menu
In 2021, Subway removed roast beef from its menu offerings for several reasons Firstly, the price of roast beef had increased significantly, with sources citing a 70% spike in costs This was likely driven by broader meat supply issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. With roast beef prices rising so dramatically, it became challenging for Subway to source it at a reasonable price point.
Secondly, there was slow movement of roast beef sandwiches in many Subway locations. Despite some devoted fans, roast beef was not a top-selling sandwich choice at many restaurants. This low demand made it harder to justify keeping roast beef on the menu when the costs were so high.
The removal upset some customers who felt roast beef was an important part of the Subway menu. A few even threatened to boycott Subway until it brought roast beef back. However, Subway employees emphasized they had no control over menu decisions which were made at the corporate level based on costs and sales data.
Initial Speculation on a Roast Beef Return
In the months following the removal of roast beef in 2021, there was much speculation over if and when it would return. Some rumors suggested Subway had been working behind the scenes to find a new supplier or recipe to bring back roast beef at a better price point.
Insider sources indicated that with the pressures of the pandemic easing, Subway corporate was interested in reintroducing favorite discontinued menu items. Roast beef seemed a likely candidate given the customer demand. Some industry experts predicted a roast beef comeback could occur sometime in 2022 or 2023.
However, Subway remained tight-lipped about any concrete plans to bring back roast beef in the near future. The company gave no official timeframe, frustrating eager customers hoping for definitive answers. Subway’s lack of transparency on their roast beef plans left fans continuing to speculate on message boards and social media.
The Triumphant Return of Roast Beef in Late 2024
In late 2024, after over two years without roast beef, Subway finally announced the exciting news. Roast beef would return to Subway menus nationwide as a permanent menu item once again.
The company revealed the revived roast beef sandwich would be part of Subway’s new “Eat Fresh Refresh” campaign. This initiative aimed to upgrade ingredients and roll out improved sandwich recipes.
The new and improved roast beef sandwich features top-quality USDA Choice Angus roast beef. It is topped with fresh vegetables like lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, peppers and onions. Subway cited the return of roast beef as part of their ongoing efforts to give customers better quality meats and sandwiches.
For roast beef fans, the announcement was a long time coming. Many celebrated online, expressing their eagerness to rush out and get a roast beef sandwich once again. The social media buzz and customer enthusiasm made it clear just how much Subway customers missed the savory roast beef option over the past few years.
Why Now?
There are a few key reasons why late 2024 was the right time for Subway to bring back roast beef.
Firstly, with supply chain issues stabilizing compared to the height of the pandemic, Subway was better positioned to source high-quality roast beef at a cost-effective price. This made a permanent return of roast beef economically viable on an ongoing basis.
Secondly, the “Eat Fresh Refresh” campaign gave Subway the perfect opportunity to reintroduce roast beef. Positioning it as part of wider efforts to improve recipes and ingredients helped build excitement.
Finally, Subway had clearly seen enough customer demand and feedback to conclude the long-term benefits of bringing back roast beef would outweigh any costs. Restoring a fan favorite menu item was smart for brand loyalty and perceptions.
What Customers Can Expect from the New Roast Beef
The revived roast beef sandwich may look familiar, but Subway promises customers will notice some tasty improvements.
The switch to USDA Choice Angus roast beef means each sandwich now contains higher-quality, delicious roast beef. Customers can expect a more premium beef flavor compared to the previous incarnation of the sandwich.
Subway also says the beef is carefully prepared to be extra tender and juicy. The improved taste and textures takes the Subway roast beef sandwich to the next level.
While original toppings like spinach, peppers and onions remain, Subway has further enhanced the sandwich with fresh veggies for added crunch and flavor. The new-and-improved recipe aims to keep this classic sandwich feeling fresh.
Subway Listened to Its Loyal Customers
The return of roast beef shows that Subway listens to feedback from its devoted customers. Bringing back such a beloved menu item that was discontinued for years demonstrates Subway’s commitment to giving fans what they want.
Over the two years without roast beef on the menu, Subway received consistent customer feedback expressing disappointment and requesting its return. Many made it clear just how much they missed that signature roast beef flavor.
Subway’s willingness to finally reintroduce roast beef in response to this customer feedback is commendable. The company is showing a willingness to adapt, evolve and give customers new reasons to get excited about Subway again.
The next time you visit Subway, be sure to celebrate the return of roast beef by ordering it on your favorite sandwich. Roast beef lovers everywhere have gotten their wish granted at last. We have to commend Subway for listening and for putting in the hard work to be able to bring back such an iconic menu choice in even better form.
Customers and franchisees have questioned Subway’s strategy
Subway was among many restaurant chains like McDonalds, Panda Express, and Taco Bell that trimmed menu items during the early days of the pandemic.
But when restrictions lifted in various parts of the US, Subway operators wanted to bring back the two sandwiches to appease consumers, who were demanding 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. You would think that they would bring them back faster, but they didnt. But finally, this year, they said they are 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.
Some franchisees blame CEO John Chidsey, who was hired in November 2019, for the top-down approach.
“He doesnt really communicate well with franchisees,” a second franchisee told Insider. This source also asked to remain anonymous as this person was not authorized by the company to speak to the press. “Its obvious that he thinks franchisees are his employees.”
A Subway representative said in a statement to Insider that franchisees “are an important and influential part of our business.”
“We encourage and maintain an open line of communication with our franchise investors to drive long-term growth and evolve our business together, which has recently included navigating through a global pandemic and changes to our menu,” the company said in a statement. “We listen closely to feedback from both franchisees and guests as we continue to grow and transform.”
Are you a Subway franchisee or employee with a story to share? Email [email protected] and [email protected], or get in touch via the Signal encrypted messenger app at (646) 768-4740 or (714) 875-6218
Subway has roast beef
FAQ
Is roast beef back at Subway?
Subway has launched a line of chicken sandwiches and brought back its roast beef sandwich as a permanent addition to the menu, but with higher-quality meat, the quick-service chain based in Milford, Conn., said Tuesday. It also has added a caramel brownie cookie for the holiday season.
Does Subway have a roast beef sandwich?
Stuffed with thinly cut slices of roast beef, this crowd favorite is served on the oven-fresh bread of your choice. Some items may not be available in all markets. Prices and participation may vary.
When did Subway get rid of roast beef?
The popular sandwiches were removed from the menu in June. When fast-food chain Subway decided to remove the rotisserie chicken sandwich and the roast beef sandwich from its menu last year, customers and even operators were baffled by the decision.
Why is Subway roast beef green?
There are also various pigments in meat compounds which can give it an iridescent or greenish cast when exposed to heat and processing.