Sandwich
It’s no secret C-stores are serious competition for quick-serves. Market Force’s data showed that reality in a telling way. For the first time in the study’s history, a C-store landed the top spot for America’s favorite sandwich shop.
Wawa, which has more than 790 locations on the East Coast, rose four places to unseat 2017’s top chain, Firehouse Subs. Firehouse still earned lead honors for food quality and atmosphere, and tied with Jersey Mike’s and Jimmy John’s for staff friendliness. Jason’s Deli was No. 1 for healthy options, while Jimmy John’s received top marks for speed of service and overall cleanliness. Wawa led in value, 5 percentage points ahead of Subway.
Full sandwich rankings:
- Wawa: 64 percent
- Firehouse Subs: 62 percent
- Jersey Mike’s: 59 percent
- Jimmy John’s: 58 percent
- Jason’s Deli: 57 percent
- McAlister’s Deli: 57 percent
- Panera Bread: 54 percent
- Subway: 45 percent
- Arby’s: 42 percent
Some additional sandwich findings:
- 32 percent visited a sandwich chain at least five times in the previous 90 days
- Half of customers chose take-out on their most recent visit, while 36 percent dined in
- Only 12 percent brought children on their most recent visit
- Panera led in loyalty card awareness—78 percent know they offer one
- Wawa once again has the highest mobile app awareness with 67 percent, up from 48 percent in 2017