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MILFORD, Conn. — It's not $5, but Subway's newest subscription program makes the price of its footlong even more appetizing.
Beginning Wednesday, the sandwich chain is selling 10,000 passes to members of its free loyalty program. The $15 pass lets people purchase a footlong sub for 50% off its usual price. The "Subway Footlong Pass," which can be used once per day, lasts a month and begins on Sept. 1.
Prices for a footlong sub vary depending on city and toppings — from $6 to $12 — making the pass a deal for frequent eaters. However, the limited availability means it will likely sell out quickly.
Subscription services are more common for entertainment and other industries, but restaurants have also experimented with them. Earlier this year, Taco Bell launched a $10 monthly taco subscription and Panera expanded its $8.99 monthly coffee program to include all of its beverages.
Subway's promotion is also helpful in highlighting its recently revamped menu. In July, it rolled out a new selection of subs that are more neatly organized, helping customers narrow their selection rather than be confused about the chain's seemingly limitless combinations.
Sales at Subway's U.S. locations have been falling in recent years, according to the research firm Technomic. System-wide sales at Subway's U.S. locations were $12.3 billion in 2013, which was its best year of the past 15 years. In 2021, sales slumped to $9.4 billion, according to Technomic's analysis. The number of locations has declined for the fifth year in a row to 20,746 per Subway's website.
Subway is a privately held company and does not publicly disclose sales figures.
