Subway ends its $6.99 meal deal in restaurants early: Here’s what to know

FILE - A Subway sandwich shop in Pinole, California, on March 20, 2024. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Subway is ending its $6.99 Meal Deal earlier than planned after results from the offer didn’t meet expectations, according to a report, citing a message from the company to operators. 

The deal, which included any chef-crafted or custom six-inch sub, a small fountain drink, and a choice of either chips or two regular cookies, was one of many value offerings rolled out by fast-food restaurants seeking to lure in cost-conscious customers.

The $6.99 six-inch meal deal officially launched on Nov. 3 and was scheduled to be through the last week of December. Instead, it will no longer be offered in-store but will remain available on Subway’s digital channels through Dec. 26. 

Subway will also give 20% off any sub starting on Wednesday through Jan. 5, 2025. 

The news was first reported by the outlet Restaurant Business Magazine, which cited a message sent to restaurant operators on Friday.

"The Meal Deal was designed to help drive a lift in traffic, sales and, ultimately, restaurant-level profitability, and delivered on these objectives during the market test," the message said, according to Restaurant Business. "While the national Meal Deal promotion is delivering the expected number of daily redemptions, overall the promotion is not driving the anticipated results." 

A Subway spokesperson told FOX Television Stations in a statement that its "approach to value is thoughtful and strategic, leveraging data to help balance consumer needs while protecting franchisee profits."

"We continuously test new value platforms aimed at helping drive profitable traffic and encouraging repeat visits," the spokesperson added. "We take feedback and data seriously, and if needed, we quickly adjust course to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our franchisees, guests and overall business."

Subway CEO to step down at end of year

Meanwhile, Subway announced on Tuesday that CEO John Chidsey will step down at the end of 2024 after five years in the role. 

Carrie Walsh, Subway's current president of Europe, Middle East and Africa and former global chief marketing officer, will assume the role of Interim CEO amid the search to find a permanent successor. 

Chidsey’s departure is the latest CEO change at a fast-food chain. Papa John’s International, Starbucks, Shake Shack, and Wendy’s are among the companies that have replaced their chief executives in 2024.

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