Subway introduced a brand-new pickle today, just in time for National Pickle Day on Monday.
The thicker, crisper, juicier pickle is the latest ingredient upgrade from the chain, which has been working on a menu refresh since last year. The dill-flavored pickles were chosen to complement the meats, cheeses, veggies and sauces in Subway’s sandwiches.
For the pickle day promotion, Subway is also bringing back Lay’s Dill Pickle Chips for customers to pair with any sub. And when customers spend $15 or more ordering Subway on the DoorDash app, they get a free bag of these potato chips or any others.
Naturally, pickles tie into the pickleball craze, and Subway is jumping on the trend with a #PickleballisLife sweepstakes in partnership with Lay’s. One winning pickleballer will get free Subway sandwiches and Lay’s Dill Pickle Chips for a year. Details for entering are posted on social media by following @lays and @subway.
Subway’s menu upgrades have paid off for the Milford, Conn.-based sandwich giant. This summer’s addition of the “Subway Series”—12 chef-curated subs made with quality ingredients—has lifted same-store sales 8.4% in the third quarter.
The chain’s “Eat Fresh, Refresh” menu overhaul last July was the first in a string of improvements. That’s when Subway introduced artisan bread and added 11 new ingredients to its pantry, including vinaigrettes, premium Italian cold cuts, Angus beef, fresh mozzarella, rotisserie chicken and fresh avocados.
The new pickles are the latest menu enhancement, but they won’t be the last. Meat slicers are being installed at locations to further elevate the perception of quality.
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