National Sandwich Day: Chains offer free meals and steep discounts

National Sandwich Day arrives on Tuesday, Nov. 3, prompting dozens of restaurant chains to release targeted discounts. The promotions rely heavily on loyalty programs and digital ordering platforms. Customers who use the specific apps or enter designated codes will receive the largest savings. The deals vary in structure, including free items, percentage reductions, and fixed-price meals.

Subway offers its Sub Club members a free Footlong sandwich when they purchase another Footlong. This promotion runs through Nov. 8 and is available through the chain's app and website. Potbelly provides a similar buy-one-get-one-free offer for Original size sandwiches or wraps. Users must order via the website or app and enter the code BOGO to receive the free item on Nov. 3.

Several chains are offering fixed-price items to drive traffic. Farmer Boys is selling the Bacon Turkey Melt for $5.99 on Nov. 3 and 4. The price applies to in-store and online orders but excludes combo meals and third-party delivery. McAlister's Deli is offering a $5 regular sandwich for rewards members through Nov. 3. Schlotzsky's is also selling $5 medium sandwiches, with a limit of 10 sandwiches per single order.

Percentage-based discounts are common among sub shops. Capriotti's gives rewards members 50% off all sub sizes in shops, online, or via the app. Makers Union runs a buy-one-get-one-50%-off deal on burgers, sandwiches, and handhelds. Big Buns offers a 50% discount on the second chicken sandwich with the code SAMMIEDAY. These offers require customers to be enrolled in the respective loyalty programs.

Some brands are using the holiday to attract new users. Quiznos gives $5 off a first app order to anyone who signs up for its loyalty program. 7-Eleven's 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can buy a $1 soda with any sandwich purchase. Jersey Mike's waives delivery fees for orders of $5 or more placed through its digital channels.

The day also includes bundle deals and free items tied to spending thresholds. Firehouse Subs gives a free medium sub to customers who spend $15 or more on the app or website. Smoothie King sells a flatbread bundle for $9.99. Penn Station Sandwiches provides a free small sub with the purchase of any sub, sandwich, wrap, or bowl using the code NS26. Habit Burger is distributing 50 free Gotta Habit Meals daily at each location through Nov. 4, with availability announced via app notifications or Instagram.

Pepsi is partnering with DoorDash to offer $15 off orders of $25 or more. The discount applies to orders placed on Nov. 3 and 4 that include a Pepsi-Cola beverage. Jimmy John's rewards members can use the code SANDWICH for a buy-one-get-one-free deal on sandwiches in the app or website. The offer is single-use and cannot be combined with other promotions.