Subway is ending its $6.99 meal deal following the sandwich chain’s poor performance

Subway is ending its $6.99 6-inch meal deal after the promotion failed to produce expected results.

The deal was reportedly pulled from stores on November 27 due to poor performance, just weeks after its launch on National Sandwich Day (November 3). The promotion included any 6-inch sub and the choice of a small drink and chips or two cookies for $6.99. However, it is still available through December 26th when ordering online or in the Subway app.

“The Meal Deal was intended to help increase traffic, sales and ultimately profitability at the restaurant level and achieved these goals during market testing,” Subway’s statement said, as reported by Restaurant business. “While the nationwide Meal Deal promotion is delivering the expected number of daily redemptions, the promotion overall is not producing the expected results.”

However, Subway is now offering a new offer: 20 percent off all sandwiches ordered through the company’s app. The offer, which started today (November 27th), is available until January 1st. Customers can apply the offer to their orders in the Subway app using the code TWENTYOFF.

Subway also sent an email statement Restaurant businessnoting that the Company keeps an eye on the performance of the Promotions and makes changes to the Offers as necessary. However, the fast food chain did not specifically disclose whether the 20 percent discount deal came about because the $6.99 meal deal was expiring.

“Subway’s approach to value is thoughtful and strategic, leveraging data to balance consumer needs while protecting franchise profits,” the company said. “We are continually testing new value-added platforms designed to help generate profitable traffic and encourage repeat visits.”

The statement continued: “We take feedback and data seriously and quickly adjust course when necessary to ensure we are doing what is best for our franchisees, guests and the entire company.”

The Independent has reached out to Subway representatives for comment.

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

Subway – originally founded in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965 – is known for its specialty 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 for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and former global chief marketing officer, will become interim CEO.

Earlier this year, the chain was acquired by Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital for a reported $9.55 billion. In announcing the deal, Subway said the purchase followed three years of revenue growth and positive global net restaurant growth for the first time since 2016. Roark Capital is also invested in several other US fast food brands, including Subway competitor Jimmy Johns.