That and they fucked up the menu so they’re pushing premade sandwiches over the “build your own” model they’ve had for years. I used to go to subway because I knew exactly what I wanted and asked for it, now their menu is unrecognizable.
Which is hilarious, because its not as if they pay enough people to be on shift at the same time so that they could make their menu items efficiently. The last 2 dozen times I’ve had to pick up someone’s order from one of 5 or so local Subway’s, they have had 1 single person running the entire joint. I’ve made it a point to ask every time I go:
- -how many people are supposed to be working today?
1, and about half of them opened alone, and all were closing alone! (Even young women!!!)
- -Is it always this busy? (Every time its a 12-30min wait for them to even begin the order)
Always gets met with some form of “Yes, or even busier, with the occasional half hour where nobody comes in”
- -Are you the manager?
Nope.
Its at that point I tell them to take all the time they need. And that they are dramatically underpaid and should riot…
So not defending them, but the franchise owners were royally fucked by subway corporate. Lead on with a cheap buy in, be your own boss, make money, etc. subway takes advantage of it’s franchises more than almost anyone else around. Things like requiring all food comes from corporate, no changes, even allowing rivaling franchises to open up next to you.
John Oliver does a good bit on it https://youtu.be/jDdYFhzVCDM?si=AMkHeXR5yIpZCu3l
At this point better to disregard the menu and just start ordering, but only if you’re ok with those prices.
Most fast food places I go I’m able to “just order” without a menu. They haven’t changed their core items in decades - I don’t know why people treat menus as if something special is on it. Even people who rarely go - guess what McDonald’s the Burger Joint still got “cheeseburger no onions” and Popeyes The Chicken Place still has popcorn Chicken (extra breading hold the chicken)
Plus they keep the staffing low as hell and pay dogshit, so if there’s 4 people in line it means you have two employees (if one didn’t call in sick that day) that look like meth addicts doing what most would consider an extremely mind-numbing job for low pay and you’ll be in line for 25 minutes waiting to get your sandwiches.