Sandwich Restaurant Trends to Follow

There are more than 749,000 restaurants, as of 2023 according to Zippia data published that year, in the United States. The National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Industry Report indicates there are more than 1 million establishments that serve food, when including hotels, bars and other eating establishments.  With that many restaurants, and many being sandwich restaurants, it’s important to keep up with new sandwich trends to stay top-of-mind with consumers.

As consumer preferences evolve, a sandwich franchise will need to keep up with demand. Let’s look at some of the latest trends in sandwiches—from quality to nutritional transparency and everything in between so you can stand out from the crowd.

1. Emphasis on Quality and Freshness

Nation’s Restaurant News reported in October 2023 that consumers want taste, quality, and freshness from the food at restaurants. The sandwich trend of quality and freshness is increasing throughout the industry, with consumers wanting meals that are both delicious and nutritious. The same report also highlights Gen Z’s craving for more worldly tastes. In the sandwich industry, an Italian sub or chicken parmesan are great menu options to attract younger consumers.

2.Nutritional Transparency

According to Statista Consumer Insights, about half of Americans say they are trying to eat healthy, but 46% say they don’t have time to cook healthy food. Today’s consumers may be more health-conscious, seeking detailed information about the food they eat. Providing nutritional information is no longer a nice-to-have—it’s a must (the FDA’s Menu Labeling Rule went into effect in 2018). This trend of nutritional transparency allows customers to make informed choices based on their health goals and dietary needs.

3.Heartier, More Satisfying Side Options

Gone are the days when a bag of chips was the only side option at a sandwich shop. New sandwich trends include heartier side options. Today’s consumers are on the go, and a sandwich is not just a lunch option, but a dinner option now too. A customer may look for side dishes that are not only heartier but also contribute to a well-rounded meal to be part of a full lunch or complete dinner. For example, Penn Station East Coast Subs offers a fresh cut fry, hand sliced from Idaho potatoes and cooked to order with each meal served.

Stay on Trend with Penn Station East Coast Subs

The restaurant and sandwich industry may always be shifting and moving, but by aligning your business interests with Penn Station East Coast Subs as your franchise partner, you can always be on top of new sandwich trends. We offer our customers:

• A variety of sandwich options including cold-cuts, hot-grilled subs, and veggie options
• A complete menu with salads and wraps for health-conscious consumers
• Complete nutritional information on our website
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade, hand-picked and fresh-cut fries, hearth-baked bread, USDA steak and the finest meats, cheeses, and vegetables

Our dedication to quality extends far beyond our menu options. We take care of our franchisees with top-of-the-line training and support for every step of your franchising journey. Investing in a Penn Station franchise means investing in a future where your restaurant can be a preferred choice for a wide and diverse customer base, looking for that perfect blend of taste, health, and satisfaction.

Ready to take the next step and bring these sought-after trends to your community? Discover how a Penn Station franchise can make it happen. Request information today.