Demand For Sandwiches Signals Growth Opportunity For Limited- And Full-Service Restaurants

Consumer demand for lower prices, more variety, fresher and healthier products and flexible portions have driven restaurants to refresh their lunch and dinner menus with sandwiches, according to market report from Technomic. Despite a drop in the overall number of restaurants in the U.S. – 4,500 were closed in 2011 –  the limited-service sandwich segment added 800 units. Subway itself added 872 franchises. A key finding: 41 percent of consumers ages 25-34 want more restaurants to offer mini-sandwiches that can be eaten as a snack or light meal. That’s up from 26 percent in 2010. Consumers want “greater customization and broader sandwich options.”