Subway is bringing back discounted footlongs | CNN Business

CNN - Feb 27th, 2025

Subway is bringing back its discounted footlong promotion in response to persistently high inflation affecting the fast-food industry. Starting Friday, Subway will offer any footlong sandwich for $6.99, though the deal is only accessible via its app or website using the code “699FL.” Subway's CEO, Doug Fry, highlighted in a press release that consumers are looking for value without sacrificing quality, a sentiment echoed by other fast-food chains like McDonald's and Wendy’s, which have also noted a sluggish start to the year due to economic pressures.

This move by Subway comes as part of broader industry efforts to lure budget-conscious customers back to their establishments amidst rising prices. Subway, owned by a private equity firm, is not publicly traded and thus less transparent about its sales figures, but it is clear that it too is feeling the impact of inflation. By introducing more value-focused options like the $3 Dippers and Sidekick snacks, and experimenting with various meal deals, Subway aims to maintain its customer base. This strategy also aligns with the industry's shift towards digital orders and menu customization to enhance customer appeal and market reach.

Inflation Subway Doug Fry Fast Food Industry Discount Promotions Value Meals

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RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant overview of Subway's promotional strategy in the context of ongoing economic challenges. It is well-written and clear, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, its reliance on internal sources and lack of external data or expert analysis limit its depth and balance. The article could benefit from a broader range of perspectives and more detailed exploration of the economic implications for the fast-food industry. While it effectively informs readers about current promotions and industry trends, its impact and engagement potential are moderate, with room for enhancement through additional context and interactive elements.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on Subway's new promotional offer, stating that the footlong sandwiches are available for $6.99 through their app or website using a specific code. This aligns with Subway's official announcements. However, it could benefit from more precise data on the promotion's start date and duration. Claims about industry trends, such as inflation's impact and competitors' strategies, are broadly accurate but would be strengthened with specific data or references to industry reports. The quote from Doug Fry, President of Subway North America, is consistent with typical corporate messaging, but verifying the exact wording and context would enhance accuracy.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on Subway's promotional strategy, with some mention of industry trends and competitor strategies. It provides a reasonable balance between Subway's perspective and broader industry context. However, it could be improved by including viewpoints from independent analysts or consumer advocates to provide a more rounded view of the fast-food industry's response to inflation. The competitors mentioned, such as McDonald's and Taco Bell, are referenced in terms of their strategies, but the article lacks a deeper exploration of their successes or challenges.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear, straightforward language to convey Subway's promotional strategy and its context within the fast-food industry. The logical flow from Subway's specific offer to broader industry trends is maintained, making it easy for readers to follow. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or explanation, particularly regarding the impact of inflation on consumer behavior and industry performance. Overall, the article is accessible and informative, with a neutral tone.

Source quality

The article relies heavily on statements from Subway's president and general industry observations. While these are credible sources for Subway's internal strategies, the lack of external sources or data points weakens the overall source quality. Including references to industry reports or expert analysis would enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The absence of direct quotes from competitors or third-party experts limits the breadth of perspectives presented.

Transparency

The article provides a clear outline of Subway's promotional offer and mentions some industry trends. However, it lacks transparency regarding the methodology for assessing industry trends and the basis for claims about competitor strategies. The article would benefit from explicitly stating the sources of its information, such as whether industry data or press releases were used. Additionally, disclosing any potential conflicts of interest, such as relationships with Subway or its competitors, would improve transparency.