Americans love sandwiches, especially for lunch.
But these three weren’t always at the top of the pack.
Other chains used to dominate the sandwich world, but they ended up being pushed out or disappearing altogether.
Facebook/Blimpie
The new business was one all know and love todayPanera Bread.
However, the chain shocked its fans when itshuttered all 19 of its locations in 2018, seemingly overnight.
It then went on to file for bankruptcy as one of its major investors pulled out of the business.
Shutterstock
A year later, and undernew management, the chain began the process of picking itself back up.
It currently operatesjust four locations in Washington, D.C.a far cry from its glory days.
As of 2007, Quiznos had 4,700 locations operating worldwide.
Taylor Gourmet / Facebook
Today, it operatesfewer than 200.
So, while not officially dead yet, Quiznos certainly seems to be on a downward spiral.
Many owners soon became frustrated with the low profits andpoor treatmentand left.
Courtesy of Quiznos
It opened its first location inHoboken, N.J. in 1964.
Before Quiznos was squeezed out by Subway, Blimpie was squeezed out by Quiznos.
The sandwich business is clearly not for the faint of heart.
Blimpie America’s Sub Shop / Facebook
As of today, the chain operates a mere156 locationsacross the country.
Which Wich
This once-promising Dallas-based sandwich shop opened in 2003 to massive success.
Sadly, however, Which Wich has seen a massive decrease in locations and popularity.
tarheel1776 / Shutterstock
In 2017, the brand operated over 500 locations, and today that number has beenslashed in half.
A version of this story was originally published on September 28, 2022.
It has been updated to include new information.
