Leadership

Subway appoints a new head chef to upgrade the menu

Paul Fabre joins the chain as senior vice president of culinary and innovation.
Subway
Photograph: Shutterstock

Subway announced Monday that chef Paul Fabre is joining the chain as senior vice president of culinary and innovation.

The Milford, Conn.-based sandwich chain said in a statement that Fabre would “focus on menu improvement and innovation and the introduction of new and craveable offerings.”

Fabre brings extensive chain experience to Subway, most recently as SVP of menu strategy and product innovation at Papa John’s. While there, he also drove alignment on upcoming promotions, products and initiatives with franchisees.  

The chef has also worked in casual-dining kitchens, leading menu R&D at Outback Steakhouse and BJ’s Restaurants and Brewhouse.

Fabre’s hiring is in sync with Subway’s goal of “rethinking the entire brand experience,” CMO Carrie Walsh said in a statement. “That means not only honoring some of the fan favorites on our menu, but offering new and better culinary experiences and flavors that our guests crave. Chef Paul's role is all about bringing innovation to our menu that complements the other bold moves we're making across the brand."

Recent footlong promotions and other deals have done little to boost Subway’s business—sales have been weak for years and many of the chain’s restaurants have shuttered. Long one of the leading five chains on Technomic’s Top 500 listing, Subway dropped to No. 6 in 2019.

 

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