Subway just unveiled its first-ever pre-made sandwich vending machine in San Diego, and the company revealed that it has plans to add more across North America. As reported by CNN, the chain debuted its new Grab and Go “smart fridge” filled with sandwiches, snacks and drinks back in September at University of California San Diego. They described the experience to be a “success” and one that they want to recreate across the continent. Here’s what we know:
Your next Subway sandwich may come from a vending machine. The fast food chain is reportedly looking to step up its business by expanding the presence of its ‘Grab & Go’ smart fridges. pic.twitter.com/sUAdZDPbSj
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) November 15, 2022
How Will These Vending Machines Work?
Subway is aiming to bring more of these machines, the outlet writes, to “high-trafficked areas” like other college campuses, airports and hospitals. According to Subway’s press release, this is how it will work: local franchises will prepare and deliver sandwiches, insert them into the refrigerators (which are apparently equipped with artificial intelligence and ‘natural language processing’ so customers can choose to have a contactless experience and order verbally). Initial reaction from customers, Subway has said, has been “extremely positive.”
How would you feel about getting a Subway sandwich from a vending machine?
Intern Grey and I were talking about this. He thinks it’s weird but as a fella who’s eaten a few Hygaard “Little John” Pizza Subs outta a snack machine, this ain’t exactly inventing the wheel. – Dan Soul pic.twitter.com/9Cfivh6Kao
— 106.1 The Goat (@1061TheGOAT) November 17, 2022
Subway Continues Pushing For ‘Grab And Go’ Opportunities
Subway has been pushing for more ‘Grab and Go’ style ventures for the past two years, as they memorably started selling pre-made sandwiches in regular fridges at airports, gas stations and casinos in 2020. The chain said last week that this program has rolled out to 400 locations with “plans for continued growth in the coming year.”
Subway sandwich vending machine at California college sells fresh premade sandwicheshttps://t.co/W3sejVSVdk
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) November 15, 2022
Taylor Bennett, vice president of non-traditional development at Subway, recently said in a press release, “As more of our guests search for dining experiences to meet their ‘in-the-moment’ needs, the brand’s non-traditional locations and platforms can serve them wherever and whenever they are craving Subway.” With that said, your new favorite (or classic) Subway sandwich just might one day come from a vending machine!
