Subway’s decision to remove roast beef from their menu in mid-2020 left many loyal customers disappointed. This popular sandwich filling had been a staple on the Subway menu for years. Its sudden disappearance sparked confusion and outrage among fans. After months of outcry Subway has finally announced plans to bring roast beef back in summer 2021. But why did they get rid of it in the first place?
The Removal of Roast Beef
In June 2020, Subway quietly removed roast beef from their menus nationwide. While many restaurants were trimming down menus due to COVID-19, the loss of roast beef felt particularly notable for Subway fans.
Subway did not give an official reason for axing roast beef. However, according to insider sources, rising costs for premium meats like roast beef led to the decision. Of all the Subway meats, roast beef was one of the most expensive proteins. With restaurants struggling during the pandemic, removing pricier ingredients was one way to cut costs.
Though understandable from a business perspective, Subway customers were very upset by the loss of roast beef. It left a bad taste in the mouths of many loyal fans.
Customer and Franchisee Backlash
The response on social media showed just how beloved the roast beef sub was. Immediately, customers began demanding its return. Many stated they would not eat at Subway again until the roast beef was back.
Both customers and franchise owners questioned why Subway would get rid of such a popular, classic menu item. To many, a sandwich shop without roast beef just felt wrong and incomplete.
Franchisees pushed back against the corporate decision They warned executives not to take away the chain’s “best chicken” and reported that roast beef had a loyal following Though not Subway’s top-seller, it filled an important niche.
The Return of Roast Beef
After over 9 months without roast beef, Subway finally announced it would come back this summer. Recent comments on social media show customers are thrilled to hear the news.
Bringing back roast beef appears to be an acknowledgement by Subway that it was a mistake to remove this menu staple. The ongoing customer demand and franchisee feedback likely convinced corporate it needed to return.
To satisfy customers, Subway is promising an even better roast beef recipe when it comes back. The new oven-roasted Choice Angus roast beef will be the highest quality served at Subway yet. This may win back many disappointed roast beef fans.
Lessons For Subway
The roast beef saga provides some important lessons for Subway. When menu changes impact classic offerings like roast beef, it risks alienating loyal customers. Their vocal feedback makes clear how beloved certain dishes are.
In the future, Subway would be wise to avoid these types of top-down menu decisions without franchisee and customer input. The backlash shows that sudden removal of favorites can do more harm than good, even when profit-motivated.
With roast beef’s return, Subway has a chance to rebuild trust and satisfaction. Focusing on high-quality ingredients while keeping customer priorities in mind can get them back on track.
The roast beef misstep shows Subway needs to improve communication between corporate and franchisees. Working together and listening to customers will lead to smarter decisions. Subway now knows how much customers cherish favorites like roast beef.
In the end, the return of roast beef demonstrates the power of customer voices. Brands need to listen when core offerings like this are impacted. By bringing back roast beef, Subway shows it learned this lesson. With improved quality and communication, hopefully it can craft an even better roast beef sub going forward.
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 Training – Prepping Roast Beef
FAQ
Did Subway remove roast beef?
Roast Beef was discontinue due to Slow Movment, which was magnified when COVID hit, which additionally spiked the cost of roast beef which made it no longer a viable product to carry. It is a bummer, but to clarify those are the reasons for the change and removal of roast beef.
Does Subway have roast beef back?
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.
What sandwiches did Subway discontinue?
- Flatizza. hand pulling flatizza – Subway / Facebook. …
- Chicken Pizziola Sandwich. chicken pizziola sandwich – Subway Aruba. …
- Beyond Meat Meatball Marinara Sandwich. …
- Seafood Sensation Sandwich. …
- Jalapeño Cheddar Bread. …
- Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast. …
- Peanut Butter Cookies.
Is Subway roast beef real?
Stuffed with thinly cut slices of roast beef, this crowd favorite is served on the oven-fresh bread of your choice.
Does subway have roast beef?
Roast Beef: To end the year 2021, Subway brought back roast beef, making it better than ever with new and improved oven-roasted Choice Angus Roast Beef—the highest quality roast beef ever offered by Subway. Veggie mainstays lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, and red onions are then placed on top of the flavorful roast beef.
Why did subway take off rotisserie chicken sandwiches?
The sandwiches were taken off the menus in June, and although there was never a formal explanation for the decision, Business Insider speculates that it may have something to do with the fact that roast beef and rotisserie chicken were two of the priciest proteins on the Subway menu.
Will you eat at subway again if they bring back roast beef?
“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.”
Why did subway stop selling meat?
The loss of the popular pair of meat options has now left a lot of customers with bad tastes in their mouths. Online comments suggest that customers who spoke with Subway franchisees and employees relayed that high prices for the meats prompted the discontinuation.
Why did subway discontinue Taco Beef?
Taco TKO Although not loved a lot by the customers, Subway discontinued taco beef from their menu in late 2019. However, many people called it the worst taco, so no one missed it a lot. Subway had to discontinue its $5 footlong in fear of possible bankruptcy, as anticipated by many economists worldwide.
Will there be leftover roast beef and chicken at subway?
While there has been no official announcement from the company, the @SubwayListens Twitter account has been pretty obviously swerving complaints from consumers in a way that confirms the meats’ removal, replying that there might still be leftover roast beef and chicken at certain locations.