[JayCT]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

The problem with Subway is the food quality is lousy. The customer base is the dollar menu crowd and a Subway franchise doesn't do the volume to survive selling at the prices you have to use when your market is the dollar menu crowd. The labor costs from all the states dramatically raising minimum wage has to be killing them. For me, Subway is emergency road food if I have absolutely no other option. I try to never buy anything at that poor quality level.

That is true but they have branched out into salads which may help. Still I’m not sure that is enough. Will see. Jay

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

The problem with Subway is the food quality is lousy. The customer base is the dollar menu crowd and a Subway franchise doesn't do the volume to survive selling at the prices you have to use when your market is the dollar menu crowd. The labor costs from all the states dramatically raising minimum wage has to be killing them. For me, Subway is emergency road food if I have absolutely no other option. I try to never buy anything at that poor quality level.

You’re right. They try to spice it up with salads, wraps and flatbread but it is still mediocre at best. Slimy meat, subpar veggies. There are some fast casual restaurants that are much better. That said, I’m confident they can rebound if they rebrand. Middle class Americans like sandwiches and are willing to pay a bit more for quality these days (at least I am). I don’t believe this is due to being located in Milford. It’s because they need to spice things up. It’s the same way I feel every time I see a new Volkswagen on the road - yawn.

[J. Fiction]

Eat Fresh was always a hilarious slogan.

[CT_Yank]

Originally Posted by BobNJ1960

I know some affected, some there still who are not affected as of now. IT took big hits last few months, quite a bit outsourced. Partner not disclosed. I wonder if its Infosys.

Agree with Jay that biggest issue is cannibalism and over-franchising as their demo struggles and healthy options compete with them.

Bob,

As mentioned in my post, I had contact with recruiter begging me to consider. As my resume speaks to tech planning, delivery and managing outsourced staff, I have to think that was the reason for his plea. They are probably going down Wipro, Infosys route. They all do. Doubt they will hire back any significant numbers.

[GeoffD]

Originally Posted by CT_Yank

Agree with Jay that biggest issue is cannibalism

I always thought their lunch meat was dodgy but I never imagined....


When your spokesman is serving 15 years 8 months in the Federal guest house with a minimum of 13 years for paying for sex with minors and kiddie porn, you have a brand management problem.

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I always thought their lunch meat was dodgy but I never imagined....


When your spokesman is serving 15 years 8 months in the Federal guest house with a minimum of 13 years for paying for sex with minors and kiddie porn, you have a brand management problem.

To be fair, that was even a surprise for Subway (and quite embarrassing for them, too).

[Beeker2211]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

You’re right. They try to spice it up with salads, wraps and flatbread but it is still mediocre at best. Slimy meat, subpar veggies. There are some fast casual restaurants that are much better. That said, I’m confident they can rebound if they rebrand. Middle class Americans like sandwiches and are willing to pay a bit more for quality these days (at least I am). I don’t believe this is due to being located in Milford. It’s because they need to spice things up. It’s the same way I feel every time I see a new Volkswagen on the road - yawn.

Corporate is in the midst of a few test locations to spice up the menu, sourcing, and look. Not a total re-brand but a significant and needed tune-up for evolving tastes and pressure from other chains that are inching to the premium side like Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's (I kinda like JM, personally thought JJ was absolutely inedible).

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by Beeker2211

Corporate is in the midst of a few test locations to spice up the menu, sourcing, and look. Not a total re-brand but a significant and needed tune-up for evolving tastes and pressure from other chains that are inching to the premium side like Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's (I kinda like JM, personally thought JJ was absolutely inedible).

Same. Jimmy Johns is disgusting and I found the few I went to to be unsanitary. Jersey Mikes is mediocre. They should be spicing it up with quality ingredients, not just iceberg and “roasted” pepper in clear slime. Firehouse Deli is probably the best sandwich chain I’ve been to.

Meh. Give me Soup Thyme in Monroe over any of them. That is one place is deeply miss.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by kidyankee764

Same. Jimmy Johns is disgusting and I found the few I went to to be unsanitary. Jersey Mikes is mediocre. They should be spicing it up with quality ingredients, not just iceberg and “roasted” pepper in clear slime. Firehouse Deli is probably the best sandwich chain I’ve been to.

Meh. Give me Soup Thyme in Monroe over any of them. That is one place is deeply miss.

The Firehouse Deli here in Glastonbury closed after a couple years yet our three Subways seem to be busy. Not sure why but it could have been the location. I never got there. We also have Jersey Mikes and was not impressed. If I want a sandwich I go to Highland Park Market. The food is fresh and they have soups that are pretty good. Plus it’s not pricey. Jay

[WouldLoveTo]

Originally Posted by JayCT

The Firehouse Deli here in Glastonbury closed after a couple years yet our three Subways seem to be busy. Not sure why but it could have been the location. I never got there. We also have Jersey Mikes and was not impressed. If I want a sandwich I go to Highland Park Market. The food is fresh and they have soups that are pretty good. Plus it’s not pricey. Jay

I've been to 2 out of 3 of the Glastonbury Subways. I think the one near Bertucci's either split their space or moved into the smaller store next door. It's hard to gauge how busy that one is since that entire plaza is busy. The one near Webster was always busy when I used to go.

One of the (many) reasons I stopped going was when I found out they actually have a "processed meat food" sandwich. I couldn't remember the name and asked them, and was told by the owners that they don't eat meat so they had no idea. (?!) Sorry, I used to work in a sporting goods shop and and I had to know about all the equipment we sold even if I didn't personally use it so that was strike 3.

<I can't find the info on the fake meat so I suspect it's been changed, it's been 7+ years since I've been. There is a Food Babe who wrote a good article, not sure if I can post it.>

I think Boston Market makes healthier food (though they use a lot of salt).

Frankly I think all of the chains are just junk of a varying degree.

Firehouse wasn't bad, but it was still a chain. Haven't been to Jersey Mikes but I suspect it's similar to Firehouse.

Highland Park is great and there is a place in Colchester that is good too. Support your mom & pops so they stick around!