You probably grab a quick sandwich more often than you think, and the next time you walk into a familiar shop it may look very different. This article shows which five national sandwich chains analysts flag as most at risk of not making it through 2026 and what that could mean for your options and local storefronts.
You’ll get a concise look at the forces—like store closures, rising costs, shifting customer habits, and franchise problems—pushing these brands toward a precarious future. Keep reading to understand which names are under pressure and why their struggles might change where you go for a quick meal.
Subway – struggling with massive store closures
You’ve probably noticed Subway shrinking in your town; it lost over 600 U.S. locations in one year and dipped below 20,000 stores for the first time in about two decades. That pace of closures reflects long-term declines in traffic, rising costs, and tougher competition from other fast-casual options. If you visit a mall or strip now, you might find fewer Subways than a few years ago, and analysts warn more cuts could follow if trends don’t reverse.
Joe’s Seafood Sandwiches – rapid decline in locations
You’ve probably noticed Joe’s spots thinning out; the chain fell from about 150 locations to only a few dozen in recent years.
Rising seafood costs and shifting tastes hit their margins hard, and parent-company closures sped up the shrinkage.
If you want specifics, reporting shows major downsizing across the brand as locations quietly close.
That trend makes it reasonable to question how many Joe’s restaurants will still be open by the end of 2026.
Quiznos – impacted by rising costs and changing habits
You probably remember Quiznos for its toasted subs and bold flavors from years past.
Rising ingredient and labor costs squeezed franchise margins, and many owners closed stores rather than absorb losses.
Changing habits pushed customers toward delivery apps and cheaper quick-service options, shrinking foot traffic for legacy sandwich shops.
If you’re tracking at-risk chains, Quiznos’s long decline shows how tight margins and shifting consumer preferences can accelerate contraction.
Read more about broader industry pressures in analysts’ coverage of struggling sandwich chains (https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/analysts-says-that-these-5-sandwich-chains-could-be-at-risk-of-bankruptcy-in-2026).
Schlotzsky’s – fading after overexpansion issues
You’ve probably noticed Schlotzsky’s shrinking footprint after years of rapid growth. Analysts point to overexpansion and inconsistent store performance as major pressures on the brand.
You still see the menu of sandwiches and $5 pizzas in some markets, but closures popped up through late 2024. For local updates and menu details, check Schlotzsky’s official site.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop – facing customer losses
You’ve probably noticed fewer people choosing Potbelly for a quick lunch lately. Traffic dips come amid tougher competition and shifting tastes that favor value or delivery-focused options.
You may still see growth in some markets, but inconsistent store performance is shrinking brand momentum. Watch Potbelly’s expansion plans and digital gains, like reported by Restaurant News, to see if they stop the slide.
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As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.