These 6 Sandwich Chains Are Losing Customers Fast

Read more: Found here

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Americans really love their sub sandwiches, and for the longest time Subway was unchallenged as the market leader—but these days customers are demanding more. Better quality, variety, and value for money are just some of the factors impacting sandwich chains, especially as customers are sending less on fast food and fast casual food. While chains such as Jersey Mike's are expanding, others are downsizing if not closing down completely. Here are six sandwich chains struggling to keep customers returning.

Blimpie's still exists, but as a shadow of its former self with as few as 200 locations according to some estimates. Bad management and overexpansion seem to be key factors in the decline. "I used to go to Blimpie when I was younger back in the 90s in Illinois," one Redditor said . "I live in a Pittsburgh suburb now and not any round here. Then last year I went to one in Detroit while going to a concert and that might've been my first time in almost 30 years."

Au Bon Pain had over 300 locations at its height, but sold its holdings in 1999 to focus on newly-created Panera. Panera then bought Au Bon Pain in 2017 and the chain has been in decline ever since, with around 40 locations left in the U.S., mostly in airports. "The one at Dulles sold me a spinach and cheese pastry just this morning," one Redditor said .

Fast-casual sandwich chain Così could now have just 15 restaurants left in the U.S., according to Restaurant Business, after years of decline. The chain never regained the glory of its 90s heyday, and is now focusing on catering. "The bread was so good… there was a location in my hometown in Westchester that was really close to my parents' house and I went allllll the time in high school. I just checked and it's now a Chipotle 🙁 ," one Redditor said .