Subway is best known as a global fast-food chain specializing in submarine sandwiches (or "subs") and salads. With over 37,000 locations worldwide, it‘s a popular choice for a quick, customizable meal. But does this sandwich giant also dabble in pizza? The answer may surprise you!
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the past, present and future of pizza at Subway. From the elusive "personal pizza" to the secret menu hacks, we‘ve got all the cheesy details. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History of Pizza at Subway
Subway first experimented with offering pizza back in 2006. At the time, "personal pizzas" were introduced at select U.S. locations as a way to diversify the menu and attract new customers. These 8-inch pies were available in just a few basic varieties like cheese and pepperoni.
However, the Subway pizza experiment was short-lived. While some franchisees reported decent sales, the new offering complicated operations and didn‘t catch on widely. By 2009, most locations had quietly phased out the personal pizzas, returning the focus to Subway‘s signature subs and salads.
So why didn‘t Subway stick with pizza? Industry experts point to a few factors:
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Operational challenges: Adding pizza to the menu required new equipment, ingredients and staff training. This complicated Subway‘s famously lean operations model.
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Brand identity: Subway had spent decades building a reputation as the go-to spot for fresh, customizable sandwiches. Muddying the brand identity with pizza may have confused customers.
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Competition: The fast-food pizza market was already saturated with major players like Domino‘s and Pizza Hut. Subway likely struggled to differentiate its offering.
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Franchisee buy-in: Launching a new menu item across thousands of independently-owned locations requires franchisee enthusiasm. If pizza wasn‘t boosting sales, franchisees may have been reluctant to keep it around.
Despite these challenges, some Subway franchisees have continued to experiment with pizza and pizza-adjacent offerings over the years. But as of 2024, pizza remains an elusive find on Subway menus.
Can You Get Pizza at Subway in 2024?
Fast forward to the present day, and you‘re unlikely to spot a pizza on the menu board at your neighborhood Subway. The vast majority of locations do NOT regularly sell pizza as of 2024.
However, there are rare exceptions. A small handful of Subway restaurants scattered around the U.S. still offer personal pizzas, typically selling them for around $5 each. These are a carryover from the initial ‘06 launch that have managed to stick around.
Where are these mystical Subway pizza outposts located? According to internet chatter from Subway fans and employees, you might have some luck in parts of Georgia, New Jersey, Tennessee and Michigan. But in general, you‘d have to really hunt around to find a Subway still slinging pies.
Just take a look at these posts from Subway customers on social media:
"I was today years old when I found out my local Subway sells personal pizzas. Is this a glitch in the matrix?" – Twitter user [@SubwayPizzaFan]
"Subway has PIZZA?! I‘ve been going to Subway for years and never seen this mythical menu item. Where are y‘all finding these?!" – Reddit user [u/sandwichartist4lyfe]
Of course, menu offerings can vary between franchisees. It‘s possible that a Subway owner in your area has experimented with pizzas or pizza-inspired items, even if it‘s not an official menu option. If you‘re craving a Subway pizza experience, it never hurts to ask the staff at your go-to location.
The "Pizza Sub" Secret Menu Hack
While a true Subway pizza is hard to come by these days, there IS a way to get your pizza fix with some creative ordering. Enter the "Pizza Sub" – a secret menu item you can request that mimics the flavors of a classic pie.
Here‘s how it works: Start with your bread of choice (Italian Herbs & Cheese or Parmesan Oregano work well for this), then ask for marinara sauce instead of the usual dressings. Top it off with pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and your pick of veggies. Voila, you‘ve got a makeshift pizza sandwich!
The Pizza Sub has been a popular underground menu hack for years, so most Subway sandwich artists will know how to make it. You can also customize it with other sauces, proteins and cheeses to suit your taste. Some additional ideas:
- Chicken Pizza Sub: Swap the pepperoni for grilled chicken
- Veggie Pizza Sub: Load up on fresh veggies like green peppers, onions and olives
- Spicy Pizza Sub: Ask for jalapeños or banana peppers to add some heat
- Breakfast Pizza Sub: Yes, you can even pizza-fy your morning sub! Try it with bacon, ham, eggs and cheese on flatbread.
We asked Subway employees for their favorite Pizza Sub variations. Here‘s what they had to say:
"When people ask for a Pizza Sub, I always suggest adding Subway‘s new crumbled sausage. It‘s a game changer! Tastes just like a sausage pizza." – [John D., Subway Sandwich Artist]
"I like to do a Pizza Sub on the Italian Herbs and Cheese bread, then have them toast it BEFORE adding the sauce and toppings. It gets the bread nice and crispy, almost like a thin crust pizza." – [Jenna R., Subway Shift Manager]
Keep in mind that the Pizza Sub is not an official menu item. You may have to guide your sandwich artist through the process and pay for the individual ingredients rather than a set price. But for a pizza experience at any Subway, it‘s a tasty trick to have up your sleeve.
Subway Personal Pizza Details
Curious what you might be missing at those rare Subway locations that DO sell pizza? Here‘s a rundown of what to expect if you manage to track one down:
Size and Price
Subway‘s personal pizzas are about 8 inches wide, which is smaller than a typical small pizza from a dedicated pizza shop but enough for a personal meal. In 2023, they sold for around $5 each, with an upcharge of $0.50 for additional toppings. Pricing may vary by location.
Varieties and Customization
The core pizza menu usually includes cheese, pepperoni and veggie, but the real draw is customization. Like Subway‘s signature subs, you can add or remove toppings to your heart‘s content.
Want an all-cheese pizza? Go for it. Prefer unconventional pizza toppings like olives, jalapeños and pickles? Pile ‘em on. With dozens of meat, cheese and veggie options behind the counter, you can concoct your ultimate personal pizza.
Preparation Process
Unlike some fast-food pizzas that are assembled and baked to order, Subway‘s pies are pre-made to cut down service time. The personal pizzas arrive at stores par-baked and frozen. When you place an order, the pizza is popped into Subway‘s super-fast speed oven for about 45 seconds to heat up.
Some Subway pizza fans argue that this quick prep method is why the end result can be hit or miss. If not heated thoroughly, the crust may be a bit soft and soggy. An extra trip through the oven can help get a crispier crust, so don‘t hesitate to ask for a bit more bake time.
Nutrition Facts
If you‘re counting calories, a Subway Personal Pizza might not be your first choice. Each 8-inch pie packs around 700-800 calories and over 30 grams of fat. That‘s before adding any extra meat or cheese toppings!
Here‘s how a classic cheese pizza breaks down:
- Calories: 700
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 72g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 1480mg
As always, it‘s important to view nutrition info in the context of your overall diet. Enjoying a Personal Pizza on occasion can certainly fit into a balanced eating plan. But if Subway pizza becomes a regular habit, those numbers can add up quickly.
Customer Reviews: Is Subway Pizza Any Good?
With so few people able to get their hands on a real-deal Subway pizza, reviews are limited. But among the lucky few who have tried it, the verdict seems to be a resounding "meh."
Fans praise the same level of freshness and customization they expect from Subway, especially when it comes to veggie toppings. And with prices under $5, it‘s an affordable choice for a personal pizza craving.
However, many note that the crust lacks the crispy, chewy texture you want from a great pie. The dough can veer towards the soft and doughy side, especially if not cooked long enough. Some also point out that the cheese tends to be a bit sparse and the sauce bland.
Just take a look at these Yelp reviews from real Subway pizza eaters:
"I was surprised to see pizza on the menu at Subway. Couldn‘t resist trying it! It was honestly just okay. Crust was pretty soft and the toppings were nothing special. I‘ll stick to my usual Italian BMT." – [Kendra M., 3/5 stars]
"The Subway personal pizza is a decent value for the price. Under $5 for a customizable 8-inch pizza is not bad. Just don‘t expect gourmet! The crust definitely needs some work." – [Tyson R., 3/5 stars]
The general consensus? Subway pizza is fine for what it is – a quick, cheap personal pie that you can customize to your liking. But it‘s not going to rival your favorite slice shop any time soon.
Subway Pizza vs. Other Fast-Food Pies
Subway is far from the only quick-service restaurant to take a stab at pizza. How does their offering stack up to the competition? Let‘s take a look:
| Restaurant | Pizza Size | Price Range | Crust Options | Specialty Flavors | Customization |
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| Subway | 8" | $5-6 | 1 (thin) | Cheese, Pepperoni, Veggie | High |
| Domino‘s | 10"-16" | $6-16 | 5+ | 15+ | Medium |
| Pizza Hut | 8"-14" | $5-20 | 4+ | 15+ | Medium |
| Little Caesars | 14" | $5-8 | 1 | 5+ | Low |
| Papa John‘s | 10"-14" | $7-20 | 5 | 10+ | Medium |
As you can see, Subway‘s pizza offerings are quite limited compared to the big players in the fast-food pizza game. Domino‘s, Pizza Hut, Little Caesars and Papa John‘s all offer larger sizes, more crust varieties and a wider array of pre-set flavor combinations.
Where Subway shines is customization – you‘d be hard pressed to find another fast-food joint that lets you mix and match toppings to the same degree. But if you‘re looking for a classic pizza experience at a competitive price, the major pizza chains are probably a better bet.
International Pizza Pursuits
Subway may be stingy with the pizza stateside, but what about abroad? Turns out pizza is a more prominent menu item at some of Subway‘s international locations.
In Japan, you can find a "Pizza Sub" on the regular menu – a hot sandwich with pepperoni, tomato sauce and cheese on the chain‘s signature bread. South Korean Subways have also been known to carry personal pizzas, with varieties like Shrimp Teriyaki and Potato Bacon.
But Subway‘s most robust international pizza offering might be in Brazil. Brazilian Subways boast an extensive pizza menu with fun flavors like Calabresa (spicy sausage), Frango com Catupiry (chicken with soft cheese), and Portuguesa (ham, cheese, onion, hardboiled egg).
So why haven‘t these global pizza hits made their way to more U.S. Subway menus? It likely comes down to different regional tastes and franchisee appetites for risk.
At the end of the day, Subway is a global brand that aims to tailor its offerings to local markets. Just because pizza flies in Seoul doesn‘t necessarily mean it‘ll be a slam dunk in Seattle.
The Future of Subway Pizza
So what‘s next for pizza at Subway? Could there be a glorious return of the personal pie to locations worldwide? While anything‘s possible, it seems unlikely based on the brand‘s trajectory.
In recent years, Subway has been doubling down on its core sub sandwich offerings. Amid sagging sales and stiff competition, the chain has been streamlining its menu and operations to boost efficiency. Adding pizza back into the mix would be a major shift.
That said, Subway is always innovating and testing out new ideas. In 2022, some locations experimented with "Flatizza" flatbread pizzas and "Pizza Melts" on the $6 Cravings Menu. While these were limited-time offers, they show that Subway isn‘t afraid to get creative with pizza-adjacent items.
The brand has also shown interest in expanding its digital ordering options and delivery partnerships. It‘s not a stretch to imagine a future where you could customize a personal pizza on the Subway app and have it delivered to your door.
For now, the true Subway pizza remains more of a novelty than a staple. But with enough customer demand and franchisee interest, perhaps we‘ll see a resurgence of the personal pie in the years to come. Never say never!
The Bottom Line on Subway Pizza
To recap, pizza is NOT a standard menu item at Subway restaurants as of 2024. While a small number of locations may still offer personal pizzas, it‘s a rare find that requires some dedicated hunting.
If you‘re craving a pizza-like experience at any Subway, your best bet is to try the "Pizza Sub" secret menu hack – a sandwich that mimics the flavors of a classic pie with marinara sauce, pepperoni, cheese and your choice of veggies.
Should you stumble upon a legitimate Subway personal pizza in the wild, expect an 8-inch pie for around $5. Reviews suggest it‘s a decent value for a custom fast-food pizza, but not necessarily a craveable slice.
When it comes to the future of Subway pizza, only time will tell. But for now, it remains more of a fun fast-food footnote than a nationwide phenomenon. Guess you‘ll have to settle for a meatball marinara sub instead!
Did you find this guide helpful? Have you spotted a wild Subway pizza in your area? Let us know in the comments below!
