Subway vs Jimmy Johns

The Subway vs. Jimmy John’s comparison comes in handy when you have an urgent need for a filling and flavorful sub or sandwich.  This is true particularly when you’re planning a corporate event, such as a business lunch, or a get-together with your family and friends where fast, convenient and prompt catering services are a must.

What’s the big deal with comparisons between the two anyway? Both chains, after all, specialize in submarine sandwiches and sandwiches so there may be little difference between the two. Keep in mind, however, that these are two entirely different companies and, as such, the quality of their products, the number of locations, and their customer service will be different.

Their Locations

Subway has about 45,000 stores across the United States and abroad. In fact, it’s considered as the world’s largest single-brand chain and restaurant operator- truly, an impressive feat considering the stiff competition in the fast-food industry. Among its biggest – and fiercest, if we so say ourselves – competitors is McDonald’s although the two fast-food giants may have little in common by way of products.

Jimmy John’s has more than 2,500 locations – and growing – in most states in the United States. While it’s a considerably smaller chain than Subway’s, it’s definitely one of the most popular sandwich-centric chains in the country. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its efficient delivery system – you call them for your orders and you can expect them to deliver it as agreed.

Their Selections

Subway provides its customers with nearly endless possibilities for their personalized subs and sandwiches.  You can choose from plenty – and by plenty, we mean dozens – of choices in breads, vegetables, and meats as well as cheeses and sauces. You can then ask the servers to assemble your sub or sandwich according to your choice in ingredients, even have the sandwich toasted.

Customers love the customization options because these allow them to enjoy their subs and sandwiches just the way they like them – thin or thick, all-meat or vegetarian, healthy and not-so-health but oh-so-satisfying. Catering orders can also be customized in the same manner.

The menu also features ready-to-order breakfast sandwiches, flatbreads, pizzas, and salads as well as cookies, muffins, and doughnuts. There are also bottle beverages and fountain drinks available. Suffice it to say that Subway is among the best choices for catering services because nearly everything you will need for a casual party or a corporate event can be found here.

The Jimmy John’s menu, on the other hand, has a fixed nature about it although there are plenty of filling and satisfying options, too. These include 8-inch subs, J.J. Gargantuan, Giant Club Sandwiches, and Plain Slims, which are made with generous portions in mind.

Customers can also ask the servers to add more or remove some of the fix-ins in the subs and sandwiches to serve their dietary purposes.  But it isn’t the same as making your own sandwich at your favorite Subway store.  Then again, Subway doesn’t have Jimmy John’s giant pickles.

Jimmy John’s also has Un-whiches, which are basically sandwiches without the bread – instead, lettuce is substituted.  You will find them suitable for guests who have gluten allergies.

Health and Nutrition

In a 2009 survey by Zagat, Subway was cited as the best chain for “Healthy Options” under the Mega Chain category. In the same survey, it was also recognized as the first-ranked in “Most Popular” and “Top Service” – and these citations definitely say something good about the chain and its products and customer service.

Jimmy John’s has the Un-whiches, which are healthier options than the sandwiches. But these may not be as satisfying as the sandwiches because of the absence of the carb-rich bread.

Instead of being confused by the Subway vs. Jimmy John’s comparison, we suggest becoming a regular patron of each one depending on which chain will address your present cravings.