fbpx

X

Subway Sidekicks: A New Culinary Experience Beyond Subs

Subway Sidekicks: A New Culinary Experience Beyond Subs

The new Subway Sidekicks menu includes the Cinnabon Footlong Churro, Auntie Anne's Footlong Pretzel and the Footlong Cookie. Photo courtesy of Subway.

Subway, a global fast-food giant known for its customizable sub sandwiches, has ushered in 2024 by launching a menu category dubbed “Subway Sidekicks.” This move not only showcases Subway’s commitment to culinary innovation but also highlights a key phase in its transformation journey, celebrated by consecutive business milestones.

What Are Subway Sidekicks?

The introduction of the Subway Sidekicks line signifies an adventurous foray into the snacking world. Collaborating with Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s, Subway has crafted both sweet and salty snack options. The new offerings include the Cinnabon Footlong Churro, Auntie Anne’s Footlong Pretzel and the eagerly awaited Footlong Cookie, the recipe for which Subway spent a year perfecting. These offerings embody Subway’s dedication to delivering substantial, tasty and value-packed snack options.

“The introduction of Sidekicks builds on six decades of equity and expertise in all things footlong,” said Douglas Fry, president of Subway North America, in a press release. “This whole new category on our menu offers Subway fans something they can’t get anywhere else and kicks off a year of culinary innovation and delicious new menu items. 2024 may be the most exciting chapter yet in our growth story.”

The remarkable sale of over 3.5 million Sidekicks within the first two weeks of launch underscores the public’s enthusiastic response and highlights Subway’s knack for aligning with customer preferences.


Related: Here are the Top 10 Most Valuable Restaurants in 2023


Transforming the Subway Experience

Subway initiated its transformation in 2021, focusing on ingredient upgrades and overall guest experience enhancements. The introduction of Subway Sidekicks marks a pivotal step in diversifying Subway’s menu, indicating the brand’s adaptability and innovative edge. 

Prior advancements, such as the introduction of deli meat slicers in US outlets for freshly sliced meats, a revamped sandwich menu and digital innovations like the Subway MVP Rewards program, have all contributed to Subway’s sustained growth, proven by 12 consecutive quarters of positive global same-store sales by the end of 2023.

A Vision for the Future

The success of Subway Sidekicks extends beyond immediate sales figures; it represents strategic partnerships, culinary creativity and a focus on enhancing the customer experience. With over 18,000 locations now reflecting Subway’s modern ethos, including a record 4,000 North American store remodels in 2023 alone, the brand’s dedication to modernization and customer satisfaction is clear.

John Chidsey, CEO of Subway, outlined the brand’s transformation and future vision, emphasizing consistent sales growth and global customer enthusiasm. The focus for 2024 and beyond includes launching new menu items, improving dining, online and app experiences and pursuing strategic growth and international expansion.

“Sidekicks are a big hit with guests and the latest proof that Subway is a remarkably different brand than it was when we began our transformation journey three years ago — and we’re not slowing down,” Chidsey said in a press release.


As Subway leverages its transformational initiatives and the success of Subway Sidekicks, it stands as a testament to innovation in the fast-food sector. With a forward-looking vision and a commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction, Subway is poised to continue its legacy of success, consistently meeting and surpassing global customer expectations.