Subway’s $6.99 deal sparks ‘revolt’ among store owners with calls to ‘opt out’ as price of famous foot-long is slashed

SUBWAY store owners are blasting the company’s decision to drastically reduce the price of the iconic footlong sandwich.

Critics were quick to hit out at the news after it was announced last Friday and advised owners to opt out of the change.

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The popular fast-food chain has slashed the price of its footlong sub but some are concerned this will lose the company money , the New York Post reported.

The new deal, which can only be accessed through the Subway app or website, offers a footlong sub for $6.99 until September 8.

To access the offer, Subway enthusiasts must use the promo code 699FL.

This is a sharp drop from its regular price of $11 to $17.

But Bill Mathis, the chair of the North American Association of Subway Franchisees, advised members to ignore the promotion.

“If your franchise agreement allows, DO NOT PARTICIPATE in the $6.99 promotion,” he said.

“NAASF is advising to opt out.”

The group represents around 2,500 franchisees who operate close to half of Subway’s North American restaurants.

Any Subway franchisees that signed contracts before 2021 are reportedly allowed to opt out of the footlong promotion.

The U.S. Sun has contacted Subway for comment.

One Subway franchisee with around 25 stores said that 20% of their customers on Monday in one location ordered the new $6.99 footlong sub.

Another franchisee, however, argued that the chain should not be putting its best-selling sandwiches on a discounted menu.

“McDonald’s doesn’t put a Big Mac on its $5 value menu. But we put on all our best-selling subs,” they said.

“We could do one-third or one-half of the menu and not be killed by this promotion,” they argued.

Subway's new offer on footlong subs

The popular fast food chain announced last Friday that it would be launching a new menu deal for its subs.

• Customers can order any footlong sub on the menu for just $6.99.
• This includes all 22 Subway Series items and customized subs.
• To access the deal, Subway customers must use the promo code 699FL on either the chain’s app or website.
• The deal lasts from August 26 to September 8.
• The offer can only be redeemed at US restaurants that are participating in the deal.

Subway’s move comes as more fast-food chains are offering meal deals and promotions to increase foot traffic and income.

While some franchisees have seen the discount as a negative step, others have been more supportive of the idea.

“As soon as coupons are live, we see a difference in our restaurants,” Subway franchisee Kevin Allen said .

“Right now, with the increase in food and grocery prices, coupons are more valuable than ever, and they have proven in our market to boost sales and traffic.”

Fast Food meal deals

Here are some of the current value meals offered by popular fast food joints.

Taco Bell’s $7 Luxe Cravings Box:

• Chalupa Supreme
• Beefy Five-Layer Burrito
• Double Stacked Taco
• Chips and nacho cheese sauce
• Medium drink

McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal:

• McDouble or McChicken sandwich
• Four-piece Chicken McNuggets
• Small fries
• Small soft drink

Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag:

• Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• Four-piece chicken nuggets
• Junior fries
• Small soft drink

Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal:

• Whopper Junior, Chicken Junior, or Bacon Cheeseburger
• Fries
• Four-piece chicken nuggets
• Soft drink

“Value offers are strategically designed to help increase sales and traffic by attracting consumers,” a Subway spokesperson said .

“The claim that promotions lead to a decline in traffic contradicts the viewpoint of industry experts.”

‘EMERGENCY’ MEETING

The news about the $6.99 footlong deal comes after Subway called a conference on August 15.

One franchisee dubbed it an “emergency” meeting after noticing it was only organized the week before.

The meeting was reportedly called to discuss plans about how to improve foot traffic and market share.

“This conference is essential,” the fast-food chain said in the conference invite.

“Join us… to discuss the state of the industry and an update on our business .”

SUBWAY STRUGGLES

The controversy about Subway’s discounted footlong sub comes as the chain has faced hundreds of closures in recent years.

Just last week 23 Subway locations were shut down across the states of Oregon and Washington , leaving over 200 employees without work.

“No warning, no heads up, no transparency, completely and totally blindsided, every one of us,” store manager Joanne Kennedy said .

Meanwhile, a Subway franchise that owns 48 restaurants filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June.

River Subs LLC, based in San Antonio, Texas, made the decision in hopes of recovering financially and restructuring.