Subway makes fresh and healthy sandwiches made to order but, is Subway considered fast food?
Subway is considered fast food due to the restaurant design and business concept. Although, entering a Subway is different when compared to going through a drive-thru at your favorite burger restaurant the concept is the same.
Is Subway Considered Fast Food
Subway is considered fast food but, it is one of the healthier options available when it comes to quick fast food making it not seem like the traditional burger and fries through a drive-thru.
What Is Considered Fast Food
Fast food is food that has been designed specifically for being produced and served to the customer in a rapid fashion.
The entire restaurant is set up for quick and speedy service.
What Determines A Fast Food Restaurant
Fast food restaurants often have similar things in common.
- Low Price Point
- Limited Menu
- Highly Processed Foods
- Many Frozen Foods
- Late Hours/Open 24 Hours
- Foods Are Often Bought As Take Out
- Sometimes There Are Mascots
Well Known Fast Food Restaurants
Some of the most well-known fast food restaurants in the United States are.
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Wendy’s
- Taco Bell
- White Castle (The first fast-food chain)
Is Subway The Most Popular Fast Food
Subway is the most popular fast food chain in the United States with over 20,000 locations in 49 states.
McDonald’s takes the second spot when it comes to the most popular fast-food restaurants.

Is Subway A Fast Casual Restaurant
Subway almost appears as if it could be a fast-casual restaurant like Panera Bread and Chipotle but, there are some major differences that keep Subway in the fast food category.
The ambiance and environment of a fast-casual restaurant and Subway are very different.
Subway id designed mostly for take out or a quick meal at the restaurant location with very limited seating.
A fast-casual restaurant is designed more for the customer to linger and enjoy their meal inside of the restaurant.
What Are The Differences Between A Fast Food And Fast Casual Restaurant
Some of the differences between fast food and fast casual restaurants include.
- Higher Quality Food
- Fewer Frozen Foods
- Fewer Processed Ingredients
- Often Adjusts The Menu Offerings For The Season
- More Focused On The Ambiance
- Customers Often Sit And Enjoy Their Food At The Restaurant
- Sometimes Serves Alcohol
Final Thoughts
Subway is not only considered a fast food restaurant it is the leading fast food restaurant in the United States beating out McDonald’s.
Even though Suway is fast food, it is a healthier option when compared to many of the other popular fast food restaurants.