Subway customers enraged by 10% “service fee” to pay staff wages

Michael Gwilliam
Subway restautant

Subway is facing backlash for implementing a 10% “service fee” to help pay staff and keep the business afloat, but customers aren’t pleased the cost is being handed down to them.

A photo of a new Subway “service fee” began spreading across fast food circles last week when one customer shared information about the charge on social media.

The post, which amassed over 50K upvotes on the ‘Mildlyinfuriating’ subreddit, was made by a user who claimed they would no longer be ordering sandwiches at the chain.

“A 10% service fee has been added to your check which is used to help pay for our team members’ hourly wages, insurance, and benefits,” the sign from inside the restaurant reads. “This will help us keep up with the rising cost of business while keeping the cost of products affordable to all our guests.”

Customers were not happy with the added charge and voiced their frustration at the thought of such a fee coming to a store near them.

Subway’s 10% “service fee” has customers eating elsewhere

In the comments, users suggested the customer report the store to corporate, with one claiming to have been a former manager who doubts the Subway head office would tolerate this fee.

“I’m not sure how often the unannounced store inspections happen in the US but this store must have already had theirs for this period, cos this would get them penalized,” they wrote.

“It’s likely being done in this manner specifically to cheat corporate out of franchise fees,” another commented.

“Weird way to say we have raised prices 10% if you ask me,” another remarked.

“That’s absolutely disgusting,” someone else blasted.

So far, it doesn’t appear that this policy has been implemented in every store, but judging by the response, the company may want to clamp down on individual franchises implementing extra fees.

About The Author

Michael Gwilliam is a senior writer at Dexerto based in Ontario, Canada. He specializes in Overwatch, Smash, influencers, and Twitch culture. Gwilliam has written for sites across Canada including the Toronto Sun. You can contact him at michael.gwilliam@dexerto.com or on Twitter @TheGwilliam