Subway is ending its last value meal after the sandwich chain’s poor performance

Subway is ending its $6.99, six-inch Meal Deal after the promotion didn’t get the expected results.

The deal was reportedly pulled from stores on November 27 due to poor performance, just weeks after it was launched on National Sandwich Day (November 3). The promotion included any six-inch portion and a choice of small drink and chips or two cookies for $6.99. However, it will still be available when you order online or on the Subway app until December 26.

“Meal Deal is designed to help increase traffic, sales and, ultimately, profitability of the restaurant, and was introduced with these goals during the market test,” a message from Subway read, as reported Restaurant Business. “Although the national Meal Deal promotion is delivering the expected number of daily acquisitions, overall the promotion is not meeting the expected results.”

However, Subway is now offering a new deal: 20 percent off any sandwiches ordered through the company’s app. The deal, which started today (November 27), will be available until January 1. Customers can apply the deal to their orders on the Subway app with the code TWENTYOFF.

Subway also sent an emailed statement Restaurant Businessnotes that the company tracks how promotions work and makes changes to deals when needed. However, the fast food chain apparently did not agree when the 20 percent deal came through because the $6.99 meal deal was about to expire.

“Subway’s approach to value is thoughtful and strategic, with meaningful data to help measure consumer needs while protecting franchise profits,” the company said. “We continue to explore new pricing platforms designed to help drive profitable traffic and encourage repeat visits.”

The statement continued: “We take feedback and data seriously, and if necessary, quickly adjust course to ensure we are doing the best for our consumers, visitors and the business as a whole.

The Independent Subway representatives have been contacted for comment.

In addition to offering sandwiches at a 20 percent discount, Subway has launched other promotions over the past year. In October, the brand announced a special holiday dessert: the Double Chocolate Peppermint Foot Long Cookie. The cookie is made with Subway’s Double Chocolate Cookie dough, mixed with chocolate and white chips and peppermint extract. The treat, which will be available in stores until December 31, is full of red and white candy pieces.

Subway — founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965 — is known for specializing in submarine sandwiches and wraps. On Tuesday (November 26), the chain announced that its CEO, John Chidsey, will retire at the end of 2024 after five years in the position. Carrie Walsh, Subway’s current president of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and former global chief marketing officer, will serve as interim CEO.

Earlier this year, the chain was acquired by Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital for a reported $9.55bn. In announcing the closing of the deal, Subway said the acquisition comes after three years of strong sales growth and positive growth in global restaurants for the first time since 2016. Roark Capital is also invested in several other US fast food brands, including Subway’s rival, Jimmy John’s.