Subway Started Toasting Its Subs To Compete With This Once-Popular Chain - Tasting Table

"By 2003, it had more than 2,000 locations worldwide, with new ones reportedly opening every 16 hours. The chain even peaked at over 5,000 restaurants. To differentiate itself from the competition, every Quiznos sub ran through a conveyor belt toaster oven. Business was pretty good for a while. But then Subway, which had previously only offered cold sandwiches, introduced toasted subs in 2004."

"Quiznos' advertising relied heavily on the idea that it offered toasted subs, making it unique. One slogan was just "Mmm ... toasty." Subway switching to toasted subs cut that unique angle off at the knees, so much so that Quiznos eventually dropped the toasted focus from its advertising. Interestingly, the conveyor belt toaster at Quiznos took 45 seconds. Subway's appliances got the job done in half the time."

"Subway had nearly 20,000 restaurants across North America in 2004. Despite Quiznos' popularity, Subway was in a better position to attract more customers who wanted a warm sandwich. Subway's famous $5 Footlong promotion, now with toasted subs, was stiff competition for Quiznos. Subway was just too widespread and offered better deals, even if it placed last out of 20 sandwich chains that we ranked."

"Regardless of Quiznos' popularity, franchise owners were already struggling to make profits before Subway introduced toasted subs, largely due to a shaky financial model. Quiznos is toast. There is a rumor that Subway didn't even pay for the toaster ovens it installed in every restaurant. According to some Redditors, Coca-Cola footed the bill for the appliances as part"

Quiznos became a fast-growing sandwich chain in the early 2000s by offering toasted subs through a conveyor belt toaster oven. By 2003, it had more than 2,000 locations worldwide and reportedly opened new restaurants frequently, later peaking at over 5,000. Its differentiation relied on toasting, including advertising slogans focused on the toasted experience. Subway introduced toasted subs in 2004, with nearly 20,000 North American restaurants, and its appliances toasted in about half the time. Subway’s scale and promotions, including the $5 Footlong, reduced Quiznos’ ability to attract customers. Franchise owners were also struggling financially before the toasted competition arrived, and there is a rumor that Subway may not have paid for some toaster ovens.

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