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 |
