Food

Subway is testing subs made with King's Hawaiian bread

The chain becomes the latest fast-food brand to use the popular bread to generate consumer excitement.
Photograph courtesy of Subway

Subway is testing a new bread that might sound familiar.

The Milford, Conn.-based sandwich giant will start testing subs in three markets made with King’s Hawaiian bread that is baked fresh in-store.

The company said it plans to start testing the sandwiches in more than 300 locations in Champaign, Ill.; Reno Nev.; and Richmond, Va., beginning June 27.

The sandwiches will be a new size—8 inches—and will have double the meat and cheese of a typical 6-inch sub.

Customers in these markets can order any of the chain’s sandwiches “Aloha Style,” or they can order one of two recipes, Turkey, Bacon & Provolone or Ham & Swiss.

“These new sandwiches are unlike anything out there,” said Len Van Popering, Subway’s chief brand and innovation officer, in a statement.

The test will run through Sept. 4, the company said.

Subway’s King’s Hawaiian test is only the latest in a series of menu innovations designed to get consumers enthused about coming into the chain’s stores at a time when sales are falling and restaurants are closing their doors.

The company created a new Club Collection of sandwiches and recently launched Ultimate Cheesy Garlic Bread. Last year, the company began offering a series of meat-filled wrap sandwiches.

A number of chains, notably sandwich concept Arby’s, have created sandwiches with King’s Hawaiian bread and made the product a focal point in marketing. Subway, however, will be the first chain to bake the bread inside of its restaurants.

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