May 24, 2013

Special Report

Sandwich

The nation's top sandwich chains.

Sandwich leader Subway simply can’t be stopped. So far this year, the company has opened more than 1,000 new locations around the world, crossed the milestone of 33,000 locations and premiered its new breakfast menu at about 25,000 U.S. and Canadian stores. The only potential chink in the brand’s armor? Oversaturation.

No. 2 sandwich chain, Arby’s is experiencing a different reality. Having Wendy’s as a sister concept won’t stop the brand from pushing its sandwiches as a trade-up from burgers. But the chain’s usual high-end message will be tempered near-term by increased attention to value, including a $1 menu and bundled meals priced to compete with the deals of Subway and Quiznos. Simultaneously, 100 units run by the franchisor will be given an overhaul, the first step in a three-year, $75-million-plus renovation drive.

Segment
Rank		 2010
QSR 50
Rank		 Chain U.S.
Systemwide
Sales ’09
(millions)		 U.S.
Average
Annual
Sales Per
Unit ’09
(Thousands)		 Franchised/
Licensed
Units ’09		 Company-
Owned
Units ’09		 Total
Units ’09
    Sandwich          
1 2 Subway* $10,000.0 $445.0 23,034 0 23,034
2 11 Arby’s* $3,228.8 $897.0 2,427 1,169 3,596
3 15 Panera Bread* $2,796.5 $2,081.0 719 585 1,304
4 18 Quiznos Subs* $1,776.5 $415.0 4,200 3 4,203
5 34 Jimmy John’s* $602.0 $688.3 948 21 969
6 43 Jason’s Deli $471.6 $2,194.0 94 121 215
7 50 Einstein Bros. Bagels* $378.4 $874.0 182 350 532
8 51 McAlister’s Deli $352.0 $1,245.3 257 36 293
9 55 Au Bon Pain $307.0 $1,900.0 53 124 177
10 61 Schlotzsky’s $245.0 $718.0 323 27 350