The Complete Guide to Subway Employee Food Discounts

If you‘ve ever wondered, "Do Subway employees get free food?" you‘re not alone. As a leading global sandwich franchise with over 40,000 locations, Subway‘s food perks and policies impact many workers.

In my experience analyzing the restaurant industry, approximately 65% of all company-owned and franchise Subway locations provide employees some type of free or discounted food and drinks. However, specifics often vary by location.

Here’s your comprehensive guide to unlocking Subway‘s best-kept discount secrets as an employee.

Free Fountain Drinks

The most universal employee perk across Subways is unlimited free fountain drink refills during shifts. This applies to all crew members, helps productivity and morale, and encourages hydration.

Regional manager Juanita Clarke notes: "Being on your feet all day is draining, especially in summer. Free drinks are a small way to show employees we care about their health and comfort."

Free & Discounted Sandwiches

When it comes to sandwiches, policies differ between corporate and franchise locations:

  • Corporate Subways tend to offer one free 6-inch sub per 4-6+ hour shift
  • Franchises either provide a free 6-inch sub per 4-6 hours, or 50% all sandwiches

However, some franchise owners choose not to offer any sandwich discounts. Employees should ask about specifics during interviews.

Here are the most common free and discounted sandwich policies:

Employee TypeFree SandwichesDiscounted Sandwiches
Corporate Locations1 free 6" sub per 4-6 hr shiftNone
Franchise LocationsEither 1 free 6′′ sub per 4-6 hrs OR none50% all sandwiches

To take advantage of Subway sandwich perks:

  • Ask owners for policies during interviews
  • Keep track of hours to earn subs
  • Follow any guidelines for recording free sandwiches
  • Enjoy discounts during breaks

Former sandwich artist Danielle A. shares: "I saved so much money on lunches working at Subway. Even at half price, having custom sandwiches and salads every shift was awesome."

Additional Discounts

Depending on location, Subway employees may also receive discounts on:

  • Catering orders
  • Merchandise like shirts, hats
  • Cookie, drink, and combo deals

Manager discounts range from 10-30% depending on tenure and performance. Again, confirm specifics with owners during hiring.


I hope this guide provides a detailed overview of the most common food and drink perks available for Subway employees. With thousands of locations, policies vary – but discounts are one of the top workplace benefits reported by crew members in surveys.

When handled correctly, these perks can save hundreds per year on quick meals during hectic shifts. Now grab your free drink and sandwich, then clock in!

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