A Look Inside Subway's New Design
By Aimee Harvey on Jul. 18, 2017MILFORD, Conn. -- Subway, the world's largest restaurant chain and a QSR mainstay in many convenience stores, has unveiled the latest step in its efforts to refresh its brand, revealing new design and layout elements that will soon make their way into stores worldwide.
As reported in our sister publication Restaurant Business, 12 Subway units are currently sporting the new design and have been opened as test stores. Various elements of the overall makeover are scheduled to be in place worldwide by the end of 2017, according to a company statement.
Subway's vice president of operations Trevor Haynes describes the look and feel of the design as more contemporary, "from the color scheme to the finishes, the technology, the display of food." The new stores are estimated to cost as much as $320,000 to build, said Haynes, although costs for remodeling current stores have yet to be determined.
"We have about eight different designs, from a kiosk up to a full freestanding unit with a drive-thru," he continued.
Here's a look inside Subway's revamped interior, along with new technology platforms and menu tweaks ...
1. Updated vegetable display
One big change includes showcasing the produce used for Subway’s sandwiches behind the production line to remind customers the peppers, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers garnishing their sandwiches are fresh and cut in the stores.
Employees might turn around, grab an item from one of the bins that are positioned at customers’ eye level, and slice it right there, Haynes said. "With the vegetable display, customers walked into the restaurant and said, 'Are you the first Subway restaurant to cut the vegetables?' Subway has been slicing vegetables for 50 years."
2. Ovens move front and center
The ovens where Subway bakes its bread and cookies have been moved forward to embellish the sense of freshness, Haynes said.
3. New customer-facing technology
Technology figures large in the redo, which Subway has christened Fresh Forward. Guests will be invited to place orders via self-service kiosks. A pickup station is included for to-go and delivery orders placed via smartphone app or Messenger chat bot. Subway already offers order-and-pay-ahead service.
A nod to customers’ reliance on their smartphones extends into the dining rooms. Complimentary Wi-Fi will be provided, along with USB charging ports.
4. Installing digital menu boards
The Milford, Conn.-based chain is also switching to digital menu boards for a more visual ordering experience.
5. More comfortable dine-in experience
The reimaging also includes touches intended to make dine-in guests more comfortable. Hard seats are being replaced with more comfortable versions, according to Haynes, who said that contemporary music will be aired in stores.
6. More on the menu
The menu is being tweaked with such additions as housemade pickles, pico de gallo and gluten-free bread. Haynes suggested that further changes are in the works.