Americans have long embraced sandwiches as a go-to lunch option. While making one at home is simple, many prefer the convenience of delis and national sandwich chains. In 2022, Subway, Panera Bread, and Arby’s led the industry, generating billions in sales. However, these dominant brands were not always at the top. Several once-thriving sandwich chains have since faded due to economic challenges, shifting consumer preferences, and competition.
When a sandwich chain charges premium prices but delivers subpar quality, word spreads quickly, often through social media. Negative reviews, combined with financial downturns and supply chain shortages, can lead to declining sales and restaurant closures. Here’s a look at once-popular sandwich chains that enjoyed initial success but ultimately struggled to meet consumer expectations.
Au Bon Pain
Au Bon Pain was once a rising star in the sandwich and bakery space. Expanding rapidly throughout the 1970s, the chain became a familiar sight along the East Coast, particularly in New York City and Hackensack, New Jersey. However, a shift in ownership during the early 1990s led to the emergence of its biggest competitor.
Partners Louis Kane and Rob Shaich acquired the Saint Louis Bread Company and implemented a similar business model, as reported by Baking Business. This new venture evolved into Panera Bread, which thrived while Au Bon Pain declined. By 2017, Panera had become a dominant force in the industry, and many Au Bon Pain locations were either closed or converted into Panera stores.
Although Au Bon Pain saw a 17% sales increase in 2021 compared to the previous year, it remained 43% below its pre-pandemic revenue. The chain currently operates just 123 locations in the U.S., a significant drop from the 200+ stores it maintained a decade ago.
Taylor Gourmet
Taylor Gourmet built a strong reputation in the Washington, D.C. area with high-quality hoagies at competitive prices, experiencing notable success in the 2010s. However, in 2018, the chain abruptly closed all 19 locations and filed for bankruptcy after a key investor withdrew support.
While its owner attributed the failure to overexpansion and increased competition, speculation arose that the chain’s decline was also influenced by customer backlash over the owner’s political affiliations.
Under new management, Taylor Gourmet made a modest comeback, reopening four locations in Washington, D.C. Despite this revival, it remains a fraction of what it once was.
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Quiznos
Fifteen years ago, Quiznos was among the world’s largest sandwich chains. Found in malls across America, it seemed like an unstoppable force. In 2007, the chain boasted 4,700 locations worldwide. Today, fewer than 200 remain, signaling a significant decline.
Several factors contributed to Quiznos’ downfall. The company pursued aggressive expansion while burdening franchise owners with high costs for supplies, often above industry standards. This approach led to frustration, low profitability, and a mass exodus of franchisees.
Additionally, a leveraged buyout saddled Quiznos with substantial debt just before the 2008 financial crisis. At the same time, Subway surged in popularity, further weakening Quiznos’ market position. This combination of debt, declining profits, and fierce competition ultimately pushed the chain to the brink.
Blimpie
Before Subway dominated the sandwich scene, Blimpie was a major player. Founded in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1964, it gained recognition as one of the first chains to specialize in sub sandwiches.
However, competition proved relentless. Before Quiznos was overtaken by Subway, it had already pushed Blimpie to the margins. Despite reaching over 1,000 locations worldwide by the early 2000s, the chain struggled to compete with Subway, Quiznos, and newer entrants like Jimmy John’s. Today, Blimpie operates just 156 locations, a shadow of its former presence.
Which Wich
Which Wich entered the sandwich market in 2003 and quickly gained traction. The Dallas-based chain distinguished itself with a unique ordering system where customers wrote their sandwich preferences on paper bags.
Despite initial success, Which Wich has suffered a sharp decline. In 2017, it operated more than 500 locations, but that number has since been cut in half. The COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in its struggles, as reduced foot traffic and labor shortages hit franchise owners hard. Some have cited these challenges as the deciding factor in closing their locations.
The Changing Landscape of Sandwich Chains
The sandwich industry has proven to be fiercely competitive, with only a few brands managing to sustain long-term success. Once-popular chains like Au Bon Pain, Taylor Gourmet, Quiznos, Blimpie, and Which Wich found themselves unable to keep up with evolving consumer demands, economic pressures, and market shifts. While some continue to operate at a reduced scale, their former dominance has largely faded, highlighting the challenges of maintaining success in the fast-paced restaurant industry.
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