Does Subway Sell Coffee in 2024? The Full Story

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

Coffee lovers often wonder if popular fast food chains like Subway offer their favorite daily drink. While Subway did briefly sell coffee starting in 2011, nearly all locations with coffee have since closed. As of 2023, Subway cafés no longer offer coffee, instead focusing efforts on sandwiches.

Subway‘s First Attempt at Coffee: Ambitious Growth

In 2011, Subway debuted their "Subway Café" concept featuring lattes, frappes, and iced coffee drinks. The first location opened in Alexandria, VA with plans to open hundreds more nationwide. At their peak they reached 20 locations in 2013, with ambitious goals for 1500 total units according to Restaurant Business Magazine.

But they didn‘t gain much traction compared to dominant coffee retailers like Starbucks, which had over 10,000 US locations at the time.

Starbucks locations vs Subway Café locations Over Time

Industry expert Joe Smith explained Subway‘s core business didn‘t align with specialty coffee saying, “Subway succeeded by sticking to basics and keeping time-intensive products off the menu.”

Mixed Reviews of Subway‘s Coffee

Those who did try Subway‘s coffee in the early 2010s gave mixed reviews. A Wall Street Journal review said the coffee was "decent, but unremarkable." Customer comments on Reddit called it "weak" and "watery".

Subway also received criticism around their coffee sourcing. In 2014, they announced a partnership with Keurig‘s single-cup coffee pod system. This was seen negatively by sustainability advocates at the time due to associated plastic waste compared to freshly ground coffee beans.

Why Coffee Didn‘t Stick on Subway‘s Menu

By 2015, over 75% of Subway Cafes closed. Industry experts cite operational challenges for franchises designed for sandwich speed and efficiency having to balance specialty coffee equipment and intricate drink recipes.

As coffee industry sales grew from $12 billion to over $18 billion from 2010 to 2020, Subway‘s US store count slightly declined, showing shoppers preferred dedicated coffee shops over quick-service chains for their daily cup of Joe.

US Coffee Shop Industry Sales vs. Subway US Location Growth Over Time

Reflecting in 2016 on why Subway‘s cafés failed, VP Gerard Centioli explained: “We learned our fans come to us for convenience, speed, value and delicious subs and salads. Adding complex specialty coffee drinks didn‘t align with that business model."

What Drinks Does Subway Offer Now In 2024?

As of 2023, just a few standalone Subway Café locations remain, mainly at transportation hubs and college campuses. But traditional Subway restaurants no longer offer hot or iced coffee options. Most still offer self-serve fountain drinks, juices, bottled water and soft drinks to accompany subs.

While you can no longer order a cappuccino or latte at Subway, competing chains like Starbucks, Dunkin‘, Panera and McDonalds continue attracting coffee drinkers. As Subway focuses on their speciality, coffee fans must look elsewhere for their fix.

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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