Subway relaunches catering for ‘new normal’

As workers return to the office and get-togethers increase, Subway is offering a redesigned catering program.

In response to an increase in corporate events and private parties as serious COVID-19 infections seem to be on the wane, the quick-service sandwich chain is providing a number of new offerings in its refreshed catering service. In addition to a continued ability to place customized orders, customers can now streamline the ordering process with pre-selected platters and lunch box options.

Customers can also place catering orders for delivery or pickup, no matter the size or type of event. Upgraded, health- and safety-focused packaging features include new cardboard boxes which flip open; single-serve and pre-wrapped food packaging; and refreshed designs for lunch box options, toppings trays, gallon-size beverages, and tote bags.

In addition to refreshing its entire catering program, Subway is also making its debut as a catering provider on the ezCater digital corporate food solutions marketplace. Through ezCater, organizations can centralize food orders and more easily obtain to Subway's turnkey catering solutions. ezCater will also offer expanded reach to corporate catering customers for franchisees.

Subway catering orders can be placed digitally via the Subway website or app, as well as through the ezCater site.

Subway is refreshing its catering offering following the July 2021 “Eat Fresh Refresh” corporate overhaul, which included efforts to make its digital ordering experience simpler and more intuitive across its mobile app, e-commerce site, and third-party delivery partners. These enhancements were designed to provide a consistent experience across all Subway restaurants and digital touchpoints. 

The updated Subway app features a new dashboard, improved ordering flow, and visibility into out-of-stock items, with further updates planned for the fall. In addition, Subway is rolling out its delivery offering nationwide in select areas, and allows customers to place delivery orders through its app.

"The enhancements to our catering program reflect a wealth of research, improve upon the guest experience with a simplified ordering process and reduced wait time for pickup or delivery, and have a positive impact on our franchisees' bottom line, with most orders representing incremental sales," said Jenn Saunders-Haynes, director of catering at Subway.

"Over the last year, we've continued to see an increased demand for pickup and delivery orders overall, alongside larger catering orders spurred by a return to in-office operations and increased gatherings," said Trevor Haynes, president of Subway North America. "As demand for catering continues to grow, Subway is the ideal choice with refreshed options and craveable, signature sandwiches that travel well, are easy to serve and accessible from virtually anywhere."

"Subway is a fan favorite in the workplace," said Mike O'Hanlon, chief customer care & operations officer at ezCater. "As food for work becomes an increasingly important employee perk, we're thrilled to help power the relaunch of Subway's catering program. Now companies nationwide can bring Subway catering into their workplace and make the most of their lunch break."

Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants, owned and operated by Subway franchisees, across more than 100 countries.