Subway has long been a go-to spot for customizable sandwiches, offering an array of meats, veggies, and sauces to suit every taste. For years, roast beef was a popular protein choice among Subway fans, but its sudden disappearance from the menu left many regulars puzzled and disappointed. So, why did Subway get rid of roast beef? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this decision, what it meant for customers, and whether roast beef is ever coming back.
Contents
- 1 What Happened to Subway’s Roast Beef?
- 2 Why Did Subway Get Rid of Roast Beef?
- 3 How Did Customers React?
- 4 Did Subway Ever Bring Back Roast Beef?
- 5 Is Roast Beef Still Available at Subway Now?
- 6 What Are the Alternatives to Roast Beef at Subway?
- 7 Tips for Customizing Your Subway Sandwich
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 The Bottom Line
What Happened to Subway’s Roast Beef?
In 2020, Subway quietly removed roast beef (along with rotisserie-style chicken) from its menu nationwide. This move caught many by surprise, especially loyal customers who considered roast beef a staple sandwich option. Social media buzzed with questions and complaints as fans noticed their favorite sub was suddenly unavailable.
The removal wasn’t accompanied by an official statement at first, leading to plenty of speculation. Was it a supply issue? Was roast beef not selling well? Or was there something bigger going on behind the scenes?
Why Did Subway Get Rid of Roast Beef?
Several factors contributed to Subway’s decision to remove roast beef from its menu. Here are the main reasons:
- High Ingredient Costs: Roast beef is one of the more expensive deli meats for restaurants to source and serve. Its higher price point made it less profitable for Subway compared to other proteins like turkey or ham.
- Low Profit Margins: Because of its cost, roast beef sandwiches often had slimmer profit margins. In the competitive fast-food market, every penny counts, and Subway needed to streamline its menu for efficiency and profitability.
- Sales Performance: Despite being loved by some, roast beef wasn’t among the top sellers at Subway. Items like turkey breast, ham, and chicken outperformed it in terms of sales volume.
- Simplifying the Menu: As part of a broader strategy to simplify operations (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), Subway trimmed down its menu. This made it easier for staff to manage orders and inventory while speeding up service.
- Supply Chain Challenges: The pandemic disrupted supply chains worldwide, making it harder (and sometimes more expensive) to consistently source certain ingredients, including roast beef.
How Did Customers React?
The reaction was immediate and passionate. Loyal customers took to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to voice their disappointment. Many said the roast beef sandwich was their go-to order and felt let down by the change. Some even claimed they stopped visiting Subway altogether after the removal.
Petitions circulated online urging Subway to bring back roast beef. The outcry showed just how beloved this menu item was among a dedicated segment of fans.
Did Subway Ever Bring Back Roast Beef?
Yes! After months of customer feedback and persistent demand, Subway responded. In 2021, as part of their “Eat Fresh Refresh” campaign—a major menu overhaul—Subway announced the return of roast beef (along with rotisserie-style chicken) at many locations across the U.S.
The new version featured premium ingredients and was marketed as an improved offering. However, availability varied by location; not every franchise chose to bring back roast beef right away. It’s always best to check with your local Subway before making a special trip if you’re craving that classic sub.
Is Roast Beef Still Available at Subway Now?
As of mid-2024, roast beef is available at many (but not all) Subway restaurants in the United States. Since most Subways are independently owned franchises, menu offerings can differ from one store to another. If you’re unsure, give your local shop a call or check their online menu.
What Are the Alternatives to Roast Beef at Subway?
If your local Subway doesn’t offer roast beef, don’t worry—there are still plenty of delicious options to choose from! Here are some tasty alternatives:
- Turkey Breast: A lean and popular choice for those looking for a classic deli flavor.
- Black Forest Ham: Savory and slightly sweet, this is another fan favorite.
- Rotisserie-Style Chicken: Shredded chicken with a home-cooked feel; also recently brought back.
- Steak: Great for heartier appetites or if you’re craving something similar to roast beef in texture.
- Veggie Delite: For those wanting a meatless option packed with fresh veggies.
Tips for Customizing Your Subway Sandwich
If you’re missing roast beef but want a similar experience, try these tips:
- Mix Meats: Combine steak with turkey or ham for a unique flavor profile that mimics some qualities of roast beef.
- Add Sauces: Horseradish sauce or creamy peppercorn can give your sandwich that classic roast beef zing.
- Pile on Veggies: Load up on lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles for crunch and freshness.
- Choose Your Bread Wisely: Hearty breads like Italian or wheat pair well with savory meats and sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Subway remove both roast beef and rotisserie-style chicken?
The main reasons were high ingredient costs, low profit margins, and an effort to simplify the menu during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Will all Subways bring back roast beef?
No, because each location is independently owned, some may choose not to offer roast beef even after its reintroduction. Always check with your nearest store.
Is the new roast beef different from the old version?
The reintroduced roast beef was marketed as “premium,” suggesting improved quality compared to before. However, taste can vary by location.
Are there any vegetarian alternatives similar to roast beef?
While there isn’t a direct vegetarian equivalent to roast beef at Subway, you can build a hearty Veggie Delite sandwich with extra cheese and robust sauces for added flavor.
The Bottom Line
The removal of roast beef from Subway’s menu was driven by business decisions—mainly cost and efficiency. However, customer demand played a big role in bringing it back at many locations. If you’re a fan of roast beef subs, check with your local Subway to see if it’s available again. And remember: with so many customization options at Subway, you can always create a sandwich that hits the spot!