Subway®

What it does

The Subway app is the official mobile ordering platform for the global sandwich chain. It allows customers to find nearby locations, browse the full menu, customize their sandwiches and meals in detail, and place orders for either pickup or delivery. The app also integrates with the "MVP Rewards" loyalty program.

Where it shines

The app excels in its core ordering flow. The customization screen (02:57) is a standout, offering granular control over every ingredient while providing a real-time calorie count, a huge plus for health-conscious users. The checkout process is also smooth, with a clear summary of the order (07:51) and a simple interface for applying deals and adding special instructions before payment.

UX highlights

Resilient Guest Flow: The app never forces a sign-up. After a failed account creation attempt (00:47), the user can easily continue as a guest (01:09), preventing drop-off.
Transparent Nutrition: The calorie counter updates instantly with every customization (03:12), empowering users to make informed choices.
Contextual Upsells: After adding an item to the cart, a confirmation modal appears with relevant "You may also like" suggestions, effectively increasing order value without being intrusive (04:08).
Clear Location Filtering: The store locator allows users to filter by services like "Drive-Thru" or "Open 24 Hours" (01:57), making it easy to find a suitable location.
Detailed Store Info: Tapping a store provides a clean view of its hours and available services like "In-Store Pickup" or "Serves Breakfast" (02:18).
Efficient Cart Management: The cart view makes it simple to adjust quantities, remove items (07:25), or apply promotions with a single tap.

Monetization & growth

The video does not show any premium subscriptions or paywalls. Monetization is based on direct food sales. The primary growth mechanic is the "MVP Rewards" loyalty program, which is promoted on the home screen and during checkout (06:38), encouraging repeat business by offering points on every order. There is also a "20% off Any Sub" deal prominently displayed (01:17), acting as a strong incentive for first-time orders.

Who it’s for

This app is for existing and potential Subway customers who want a faster, more convenient way to order. It caters to busy individuals looking for a quick meal, health-conscious users who appreciate the detailed nutritional information, and families or groups placing larger orders.

Notes & opportunities

The sign-up process was a major point of friction, presenting multiple unclear errors (00:47, 01:03). While the guest checkout is a great fallback, improving the error handling and providing clearer guidance for unsupported regions would significantly improve the initial experience. Additionally, the location search defaults to a wide world map (01:25) before using location services, which feels a bit disorienting.