Subway first introduced the Buffalo Chicken sandwich to its menu in 2010 as a limited time offer. The sandwich quickly became a fan favorite due to its zesty buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing. Since then, Subway has occasionally brought the Buffalo Chicken sandwich back for limited time offers. This has led some customers to wonder if Subway has fully discontinued the buffalo chicken sandwich or if it still makes appearances on the menu.
Is the Buffalo Chicken sandwich currently available at Subway?
As of October 2023, the Buffalo Chicken sandwich is not available on Subway’s national menu. The last confirmed national availability of the sandwich was in summer 2021. So it has been over 2 years since Subway fans have been able to order the buffalo chicken sandwich at their local Subway restaurants.
That said, although it is not on the national menu, some regional and individual Subway franchise locations may still offer the Buffalo Chicken sandwich due to popular demand. Some Subway restaurants have been known to continue serving discontinued menu items if customers in their area show strong interest. So it’s possible that you may still find the occasional Subway selling buffalo chicken sandwiches, but it is no longer widely available nationwide.
Why do Subway menus vary by region and franchise?
While Subway has a core national menu, individual franchise locations have some flexibility on what they serve. There are a few key reasons why Subway menus can vary by region and franchise:
- Test markets – Subway may test potential new menu items in certain regional markets first before deciding whether to roll it out nationally.
- Regional tastes – Franchisees have discretion to add or remove some menu items based on local customer preferences.
- Ingredients availability – Menus may vary based on ingredient availability and supply chain factors in different areas.
- Individual franchisee’s choice – Franchise owners can request to opt out of certain national specials or promotions if they don’t fit well with their local customer base.
So while the Buffalo Chicken sandwich is not currently on the national Subway menu, it is possible some regions or franchises still offer it due to the reasons above. But it is no longer a guaranteed menu item customers can expect to see at any Subway.
When was the last time the Buffalo Chicken sandwich was available nationwide?
According to Subway’s website archives, the last confirmed nationwide availability of the Buffalo Chicken sandwich was in summer 2021, from May 4 to July 27. This was a limited time nationwide promotion.
Prior to that, the Buffalo Chicken sandwich was also brought back for a limited promotion in summer 2020. So the last two times Subway fans could get the sandwich at participating restaurants across the country were:
- May 4 – July 27, 2021
- June 2 – July 21, 2020
The gap since then indicates the Buffalo Chicken sandwich has likely been fully discontinued as an ongoing national menu item. But there is always a possibility Subway could bring it back again in the future for another limited time offer.
What ingredients are in the Subway Buffalo Chicken sandwich?
The ingredients in Subway’s Buffalo Chicken sandwich typically include:
- Chicken strips coated in buffalo sauce
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Blue cheese dressing
- Choice of bread (white, wheat, flatbread, etc)
The spicy chicken strips paired with cooling blue cheese dressing and veggies make it a standout sandwich. Subway’s buffalo sauce has a buttery, medium heat that fans enjoy.
Nutrition information:
Here is the nutrition information for a 6-inch Buffalo Chicken sandwich at Subway:
| Calories | 370 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 1280mg |
| Protein | 28g |
What are some Buffalo Chicken sandwich alternatives at Subway?
While the Buffalo Chicken sandwich is currently unavailable nationwide, there are some alternative sandwiches Subway fans can order to get a similar spicy chicken fix:
Rotisserie-Style Chicken Sandwich
Subway’s rotisserie-style chicken sandwich has sliced chicken breast with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and honey mustard sauce. Customers can add buffalo sauce to make it closer to the Buffalo Chicken sandwich flavor profile.
Chicken Strips Sandwich
The chicken strips sandwich also has crispy chicken tenders that can be tossed in buffalo sauce and paired with blue cheese dressing on the sandwich.
Spicy Italian Sandwich
For a different take, the spicy Italian sandwich has spicy pepperoni and salami that can be topped with buffalo sauce for a spicy buffalo chicken sandwich vibe.
Create your own buffalo-style sandwich
With a make-your-own Subway sandwich, customers can add buffalo sauce to any meat like chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, turkey, or ham. Top it with blue cheese, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing for a DIY buffalo sandwich.
What do fans say about the removal of the Buffalo Chicken sandwich?
Many Subway customers have expressed disappointment that the Buffalo Chicken sandwich has been discontinued nationwide. Here are some common reactions from fans:
- They miss the zesty, creamy flavors of the buffalo chicken sandwich.
- It was one of their go-to “usual” sandwich orders at Subway.
- They wish Subway would bring it back as an ongoing menu item, not just a limited-time thing.
- The sandwich brought them in more frequently when it was available.
- They don’t think the replacement roasted chicken items are as good.
- Some have started going to other sandwich chains like Firehouse Subs and Jersey Mike’s for buffalo chicken sandwiches instead.
While Subway does continue to innovate and update its menu, the discontinuation of the Buffalo Chicken sandwich was met with unhappiness by many who consider it one of Subway’s tastiest offerings. The petitions and requests for its return from devotees show just how beloved the sandwich is.
Could Subway ever bring back the Buffalo Chicken sandwich permanently?
There is certainly a possibility that Subway could opt to bring back the Buffalo Chicken sandwich as an ongoing menu item in the future. Why might Subway reconsider making it permanent?
- High customer demand – Many fans are vocal about wanting it as a permanent menu option.
- Good reviews – The sandwich is well-liked by those who have tried it.
- Sales potential – As a popular limited item, it likely did well in sales during short-term promotions.
- Competitive pressure – Rival chains have permanent buffalo chicken sandwiches.
- Menu variety – It would add more chicken diversity to Subway’s offerings.
On the other hand, some reasons Subway may not bring it back full-time include:
- Ingredient costs – Buffalo chicken may be too expensive to sustain as a permanent menu item.
- Preparation time – It may take too long for staff to prepare compared to other sandwiches.
- New menu strategy – Subway may prefer focusing on newer options like flatbreads and wraps.
- Short-term appeal – The excitement may wane if it’s always available versus a limited item.
Ultimately, the odds of Subway adding the Buffalo Chicken sandwich back on the national menu permanently seem uncertain. Fans may need to continue relying on occasional limited-time releases for their fix. But if customer buzz remains strong, Subway would be smart to consider making this popular specialty sandwich a permanent menu fixture once again.
The history of the Subway Buffalo Chicken sandwich
Here is a brief timeline of the history of Subway’s Buffalo Chicken sandwich over the years:
2010
– The Buffalo Chicken sandwich makes its debut on the Subway menu for a limited-time national promotion in November 2010. It quickly earns fanfare for its tangy and creamy flavors.
2011
– After a successful test run in 2010, the Buffalo Chicken sandwich returns for another limited promotion from February to April 2011.
2012-2013
– Subway brings back the Buffalo Chicken sandwich a few more times, offering it nationally for a month or two at a time in 2012 and 2013.
2014-2018
– The sandwich takes a hiatus from the menu, not making any appearances for a number of years.
2019
– After years away, the Buffalo Chicken sandwich makes a nostalgic comeback on the Subway menu in May 2019 for a limited nationwide release.
2020
– Another return of the Buffalo Chicken sandwich as a temporary summertime menu item from June to July 2020.
2021
– Most recently, Subway brings the sandwich back yet again from May to July 2021.
It’s uncertain if or when Subway will ever offer the Buffalo Chicken sandwich nationwide again. But its numerous short-term appearances prove it’s a fan favorite worth bringing back.
How Subway can improve the Buffalo Chicken sandwich
If Subway ever opts to make the Buffalo Chicken sandwich permanent again, there are a few ways they could enhance the sandwich:
- Use higher quality chicken – Upgrading from processed frozen strips to grilled or rotisserie chicken breast would appeal to health-conscious consumers.
- Add flavor options – Allow customization with different buffalo sauces, like mild or fiery.
- Make it a meal – Offer it as a combo with a side and drink to drive bigger orders.
- Whole wheat default – Make the whole wheat bread the standard to align with Subway’s healthy image.
- Fresh toppings bar – Let customers add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced onions.
- LTO variations – Introduce limited edition twists, like a Buffalo Chicken Wrap or Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Focusing on quality ingredients, customization, healthier sides, and uniqueness could help make an upgraded Buffalo Chicken sandwich really stand out on the Subway menu. It could once again become a go-to signature Subway dish with broader appeal.
Conclusion
The Buffalo Chicken sandwich has clearly left a spicy, saucy mark on Subway fans over the years. While currently unavailable nationwide, its memorable flavor profile and ample short-term releases prove this specialty sandwich has staying power. With its enthusiastic fanbase continuing to request its return, Subway would be wise to consider bringing back the Buffalo Chicken sandwich permanently. Revamping it as a premium signature item could make the sandwich better than ever. In the meantime, hungry fans will keep relishing those brief but delicious periods when their beloved zesty Buffalo Chicken sandwich makes its temporary comeback at Subway.