Chick-fil-A generally provides a more consistent and higher-quality experience, particularly in customer service and cleanliness. Subway offers greater customization and dietary options but struggles with consistency and ingredient quality. The choice depends on whether the priority is a reliable experience or extensive customization.
| Attribute | Subway | Chick-fil-A |
|---|---|---|
| Menu Variety | Variety of options including sandwiches, salads, sides, wraps, and breakfast items. | Chicken sandwiches, nuggets, strips, salads, waffle fries, fruit cups, mac & cheese. Kids' menu includes nuggets, Chick-n-Strips, and grilled nuggets. |
| Price Range (Average cost per meal) | Prices for kids' meals range from $3.99 to $5.99, but this can vary by location. | Average cost per meal: $8–10 (sandwich, fries, and drink). Family meal: $40.72 (two kids' meals and two adult meals with fries). Kids' Meals: $6.45 to $7.33. Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Meal: $4.95. Chick-fil-A sandwich: $5.50. |
| Ingredient Freshness and Quality | Aims to deliver high-quality sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Some customer reviews mention fresh ingredients, while others report issues such as day-old bread or seeing roaches and ants in the food. In July 2023, Subway began adding meat slicers to their stores to improve freshness. | Fresh, quality ingredients. Chicken is 100% real, whole breast meat without fillers or added hormones. Produce delivered several times a week. Biscuits baked fresh daily. |
| Customization Options | Known for its customizable options including a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. Customers can create a sandwich tailored to their taste. | Salads are customizable with different chicken types and dressings. Substitute grilled chicken for fried. Kids meals let you customize each part. |
| Nutritional Information Availability | Not available | Nutrition information on website and in-store. Nutrition guide includes calories, fat, sodium, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, and protein content. |
| Dietary Options (Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) | Provides options like the Veggie Delite, catering to vegetarians and vegans. They also offer gluten-free wraps. | Spicy Southwest Salad (without chicken) is a vegetarian option. Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Market Salad are healthier choices. |
| Speed of Service | Quick service is often mentioned as a positive. However, some reviews mention long wait times during busy hours. | Drive-thrus are often busy, but efficient. Strategies to expedite vehicle flow, such as multiple lanes and order-takers. |
| Restaurant Cleanliness and Ambiance | Some reviews describe Subway locations as clean and organized. However, there are also complaints about dirty dining areas and restrooms. | Often ranked as one of the cleanest fast-food restaurants. Strict checklists to maintain cleanliness. EPA-approved cleaners used. |
| Customer Service Quality | Customer service experiences appear to be inconsistent. Some customers report friendly and efficient service. Others describe rude or incompetent staff. | Exceptional customer service. Employees are trained to be friendly and polite. |
| Drive-Thru Availability and Efficiency | Some locations have drive-thrus, but the provided context does not offer details on efficiency. | Drive-thrus are often busy, but efficient. Strategies to expedite vehicle flow, such as multiple lanes and order-takers. |
| Consistency Across Locations | Inconsistent food quality is a recurring concern in customer reviews. | Aims to maintain consistent food quality and service across locations. Business model focuses on a limited menu to ensure consistency. |
| Kids' Menu Options | Offers "Fresh Fit for Kids" meals, including mini subs, apple slices or cookies, and drinks. Options include Black Forest Ham, Roast Beef, Turkey Breast, and Veggie Delite. | Kids' meals include 5-count nuggets, 2-count Chick-n-Strips, and 5-count grilled nuggets. Meals come with a choice of side, a kid's-size drink, and a prize. |