Penn Station East Coast Subs has seen systemwide sales increase by almost 5 percent through mid-December 2020 compared to the same time frame last year, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the restaurant industry has been hit particularly hard by COVID-19, Penn Station’s same-store sales also remained strong, increasing by almost 19 percent through mid-December in 2020 over 2019. The brand opened eight new restaurants in 2020, including three in the Nashville area with another set to open in January.

“As consumers shifted to even more off-premises consumption due to COVID-19, restaurants had to adjust their models to accommodate the trend,” says Craig Dunaway, president of Penn Station. “The industry unfortunately saw many restaurants close in 2020, but those that survived will be stronger in 2021. At Penn Station, we had strong numbers across the board, especially compared to industry averages. We also continued growth in Omaha and Nashville, which franchisees are currently planning to continue next year.”

Penn Station celebrated 35 years in business in 2020 and launched PS 2020, which included a restaurant redesign and a revised menu. Penn Station’s revised menu includes six new cold sandwiches, a new multigrain bread option and highlights eight wraps and salads.

Penn Station also continued its support of local Down syndrome organizations and formalized its partnership with the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) this year. Penn Station, Inc. donated $50,000 to NDSAN and the restaurants hosted a roundup campaign in March, raising $161,000 for organizations across the country.

Penn Station plans to open 15 to 20 restaurants in 2021, many of which will be in Nashville and Omaha as the brand fills out those markets. Other target markets include Kansas City, Omaha, Charlotte, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Richmond and Raleigh.