A while back I saw a post on social media where a user had never ordered from Subway before due to extreme social anxiety. It was heartwarming to scroll through the comments and see the sheer amount of effort other users had put into explaining the process of ordering a sub from start to finish all to help a complete stranger on the internet.
The post was mentioned on Twitter and blew up even further.
I just saw a Reddit post by someone with extreme anxiety asking how to order a sandwich at Subway because they’ve never tried it and someone replied and wrote out step-by-step instructions without being snarky or judgmental and it’s the kindest, sweetest thing I’ve seen in months
— Noah Michelson (@noahmichelson) November 14, 2019
In addition to the help ordering a sub and emotional encouragement, both the Reddit and Twitter thread were full of comments mentioning how helpful the outline was and other users remarking on similar situations in which their anxiety prevents them accomplishing a task.
I’ve experienced anxiety of the unknown first hand with people I love, but didn’t realize the scale of people who could benefit from a compilation of similar guides. Intro to Extrovert was born from this Subway thread and I figured a Subway tutorial is the only viable place to start.
The Menu
Before we jump into the actual logistics of how to order from Subway, the first thing you should do is take a look at the menu. We’ll go step by step through the ordering process, but we can’t tell you what you want to eat (although the Italian BMT is our recommendation!).
Subway has a lot of sandwiches on their menu that you can choose from, but keep in mind that you’re not limited to those exact sandwich configurations. Even if you ask for an Italian B.M.T, the Subway employee is still going to ask you what you want on it. Don’t get nervous though, you can say “just like the menu” if customizing your sub is too much right now! But if cheddar isn’t your jam you don’t have to miss out on the rest of the B.M.T.
Now that you’ve looked at the menu there are a few things you should know before ordering. In order of how you’ll use them they are:
- The size you want (6″ or 12″ (footlong))
- The type of bread you want:
- Italian (regular/plain/white)
- Italian Herb and Cheese
- Flatbread
- Wheat
- The sandwich you want (or just the protein)
- If you want it toasted or not
- Toppings/Condiments
- Bananas, Olives, Cucumbers, Green Peppers, Jalapenos, Lettuce, Pickles, Onions, Spinach, Tomatoes
- Mayo, Chipotle Southwest, Ranch, Vinaigrette, Red Wine Vinegar, Honey Mustard, Oil, Buffalo, Caesar, Sweet Onion, Mustard
- Salt, Pepper, Parmesan Cheese
- Guacamole (Costs extra!)
- Dine in or take out
If you haven’t memorized your sandwich and want to make your decision at the store just stand back from the counter and browse the menu before stepping up. Everyone does it!
What to do inside Subway
The reason Subway is one of the largest fast food franchises in the world is because of how small of a footprint a Subway restaurant requires. Since most don’t have a large kitchen or drive through, Subway restaurants are typically put into a large variety of existing buildings to save on construction costs. This means that not all Subways are going to look the same. However, their interior layout is usually pretty standard and has some visual cues to help you out.
The image below shows an open Subway, similar to what you would find in a mall food court. Even though it’s open, this photo is a great example of how a Subway is typically laid out.
As you can see, the counter is below the menu and the main focus of the restaurant. When you walk inside, stand close enough to get a good look at the menu, but far enough away that people don’t think you’re in line. If you haven’t already chosen what you’d like from the section above, take as much time as you need with the menu. If an employee asks if you’re ready, just tell them “One second please” and make sure to let any incoming customers know they can go ahead of you. When you’re ready step into line.
The section below is an outline to understand the store layout/process better. A full example conversation on how to order from Subway is located in the final section of this article.
The Subway employee will greet you in front of the glass sandwich station on the side furthest from the cash register (towards the drink station in the photo above). Similar to how you order from Chipotle, ordering from Subway will be a dynamic experience and you’ll move with the employee. There are mini “stations” behind the counter that the Subway employee will move through to build your order. The first station is the bread station. Make sure you tell them if you want a 6″ or a foot long. They’ll grab it from the bread warmer and cut it.
Next, is the proteins/cheese. These can be deli meats, tuna, chicken, etc. and all of their different cheeses. The reason this section is second is because once you choose the bread/meat/cheese for your sandwich the employee will ask if you want it toasted. Typically, people don’t order their Subway sandwich with toasted veggies, which is why they ask after the protein/cheese station.
Third is the vegetable station. All of these vegetables (besides guac!) are free and you can choose as many as you’d like. Feel free to ask for “only a little bit” or “a little bit more” if you want more or less of something.
The fourth station is the condiment station. These condiments are the icing on the cake and can also be mixed or matched. Feel free to ask for salt and pepper too!
Lastly, you’ll arrive at the cashier. Sometimes this will be the same person as the one who made your sub, other times it will be an entirely different employee. They’ll ask if you want chips or a drink and then ask you to follow the steps on the card machine if you’re not paying cash. If you would like chips or a drink, you grab the chips yourself from the chip station and they’ll hand you an empty cup for whatever size drink you’d like. You then pour it yourself at the auto drink station.
The Script
I like to include a script, mad-lib style, that you can use to get a better idea of the process that an outline might not be clear about.
Subway: Hi! What can I get you?
You: Hi, can I please get a (6″ / Footlong) (sandwich type/protein) with (cheese type if different from menu) on (bread type)? You would also ask for double protein here or any extra meat if that’s your jam.
Subway: No problem. Do you want that toasted?
You: (Yes please, No thank you)
The employee will now cut your bread and start making your sandwich. Take this time to step to the side towards the vegetables/condiments to get an idea what they have and what you want. They sometimes hand the sandwich off to another employee once they finish with the protein/cheese.
Subway: What vegetables?
You: Can I please get (everything, everything besides ______, lettuce/pickles/tomatoes/hot peppers/banana peppers/cucumbers/onions/green peppers/etc.)
If you’re asking for specific vegetables you should ask for one at a time to give them a chance to grab it and ask for the next one while they put the previous one on your sub. Giving them a list of vegetables quickly leads to confusion for everyone.
Subway: Condiment?
You: Can I get (ask for light or extra if you want) (condiment(s)) please?
The employee will typically add the typical amount of the condiment you asked for from a squirt bottle and ask “is that good?” at some point. You can also stop them at any point by saying “that’s good!” if you think they’re going overboard. After sauces they’ll wrap up your sub and both of you can step over to the register.
Subway: Anything else?
You: (No thanks, Yes please can get a drink/cookie/chips/make it a combo?)
Subway: Is that for here or to go?
You: (For here, to go)
Subway: That’ll be $5 please.
Pay cash/credit and you’re good to go! Enjoy your sub and have a nice hot cookie for stepping out of your comfort zone.
I’m proud of you.
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