Subway announced a major change to its in-store offerings, with an investment of $80 million in deli meat slicers for 20,000 restaurants.

Subway touted the move as “its latest and biggest change since the brand began its efforts to improve every aspect of the guest experience, headlined by a better menu, which began in 2021.”

Subway revealed a major expansion of its Subway Series menu with a new category called Deli Heroes, a collection of deli subs.

“Over the past two years, we overhauled our expansive pantry of ingredients and debuted a whole new way to Subway with chef-crafted signature sandwiches. These major changes led to rave reviews from our guests and record-breaking sales,” said Trevor Haynes, president, North America at Subway. “This year’s changes are even bigger and more transformational. The addition of freshly sliced meats is the most impactful yet, as it gives our guests a better sandwich—raising the bar even higher for the brand that defined fresh.”

Subway said that it spent over two years preparing for the debut of freshly sliced meats in its U.S. restaurants, calling it one of the most complex changes the brand has ever made.

Subway will be offering up to 1 million free six-inch Deli Heroes subs at participating restaurants across the country on Tuesday, July 11, between 10 a.m. and noon local time.

The new Deli Heroes include:

• Titan Turkey: Turkey, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and mayonnaise. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
• Grand Slam Ham: Ham, double provolone, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and mayonnaise. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
• Garlic Roast Beef: Roast beef, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions and roasted garlic aioli. Served on Artisan Italian bread.
• The Beast: Pepperoni, salami, turkey, ham, roast beef, double provolone cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, mayonnaise and MVP Vinaigrette. Served on Artisan Italian bread.

According to QSR Magazine, Subway ended 2022 with 20,576 restaurants in the United States, down more than 500 locations year over year.

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