90 West Michigan sub restaurants getting new look

90 West Michigan sub restaurants getting new look

The re-designed Subway interior features a "bright and playful décor," as well as "curated music," USB charging ports and free Wi-Fi. Courtesy Subway

Sub restaurants across the region are being re-designed as part of two corporate initiatives.

Over 300 Michigan Subway restaurants, or 35% of the restaurants in the market, including 90 in West Michigan, are getting a “fresh look” and an “improved guest experience” between now and 2020, according to the chain last week.

The changes are part of the Subway Fresh Forward and Fresh NOW design initiatives taking place across the chain’s footprint.

The overall and per-store cost of the renovations will vary depending on the design chosen at each location, and the upgrades will be funded through a combination of corporate grants and franchisee investments, according to a Subway spokesperson.

Subway also said it is adding a “modern twist” and “more variety” to its menu, but it did not disclose the changes. The chain’s menu features subs, wraps, salads and cookies.

Upgrades

Changes to the layout of each store will vary by location. Subway said some of the new upgrades available to franchisees include USB charging ports at seating areas, digital self-order kiosks and delivery options.

Design changes also include “modern displays” for fresh-baked bread, cookies and veggies, “bright and playful décor” and “curated music.”

Franchisees are able to choose their own contractors to carry out the upgrades.

The remodels will take place throughout the rest of 2019 and into 2020.

“Elevating the overall customer experience has been and continues to be a key focus of ours,” said Ron Thebo, a long-time Subway franchisee based in Wayland, whose Comstock Park location was the first to be remodeled in West Michigan in 2017.

“Subway is a company founded with a belief in community, innovation and providing people with the best experience possible. These new design options do all three of these things, and we are so excited to share this updated design with the people of Michigan.”

Subway

Subway was founded in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and family friend Dr. Peter Buck.

The family-owned fast-food company has 21,000 franchisees in 100 countries worldwide, with 841 restaurants in Michigan.