Amtrak and Subway restaurant

[chad thomas]

From Altamont Press:


Amtrak and Subway restaurant chain team up on pilot project test

Starting Nov17, Amtrak Empire Service between New York City and Albany will offer a new on-board food service operated by the SUBWAY® restaurant chain.

Currently, trains that run exclusively between New York City and Albany do not provide food service.

The new feature will test the feasibility of vendor-operated on-board food service. “In response to our passengers who have previously indicated in research an interest in branded food items, we are pleased to conduct a pilot of the world’s largest sandwich and salad franchise and brand, Subway,” said Barbara Richardson, Amtrak Vice President, Marketing and Sales. “With so many of our passengers already familiar with Subway, we expect this pilot will be a positive first for Amtrak.”

“We at Subway restaurants are proud to team up with Amtrak to offer Subway sandwiches to hungry travelers,” said Paul Landino, a Development Agent for the SUBWAY® restaurant chain. “Subway restaurants have a reputation for maximum flexibility and being able to operate in areas that traditionally many other restaurants can’t operate in. This is a perfect partnership for both of our companies, who each serve customers that are accustomed to fast, accurate service.”

The SUBWAY® menu will feature a selection of the franchise’s famous sandwiches, along with soups, salads, pizza, beverages, desserts and other items from the train’s food service car. A SUBWAY® employee will also walk through the train, offering at-seat delivery to Business class and Coach passengers.

The new SUBWAY® food service will begin with a single round-trip on November 17 between New York Penn Station and Albany-Rensselaer and be expanded to all trains on the route (not including those that serve points north and west of Albany and already feature Amtrak food service).

Operating under a license agreement during the four month pilot, SUBWAY® will pay Amtrak a portion of gross receipts. From the knowledge gained through the pilot experience, in 2006 Amtrak plans to seek competitive bids from qualified vendors. (However, a Request-for-Proposal (RFP) has not been issued at this time and no decisions have been made with respect to trains on which the service may be provided.) - Amtrak News Release, courtesy Larry W. Grant

[Anonymous]

I've always thought that a venture such as this would be good on short hauls. I suggested a "delicattessen car" on the Broadway a long time ago.

I do find it ironic that Amtrak passengers will board a train to "catch a Subway."

Mitch

[Anonymous]

It keeps with the railroad theme.

[TomDiehl]

Same thing is on the Amtrak website under "News Releases."

Probably something that Gunn guy came up with. This kind of thinking is what got him fired.

[oltmannd]

Well, it's a good start!

...now, they should sub-out the sleepers to Marriot.

[vsmith]

I have it on good authority that Norman Mineta watched the documentary on the history of the SP Daylights and the only thing he remembered was how hated the dreaded Automat cars were in the waning days of service.

Word is that he now intends to eliminate ALL diners, club cars, forget the Subway's, and instead replace them all with Vending machines that will be placed in the vesitbules between the cars. He also plans to make sure that the vending machines are only partially stocked as to run out of everything approxamatly 1 hour out of the stations...gotta keep them costs down ya know!

[DPD1]

I don't think it's such a bad idea... Sometimes when you're in a hurry, you just want to eat something that you are familiar with, and know the quality will be acceptable. I wouldn't want it on the Orient Express, but I think it's a good option for normal travel. At least it's not Taco Bell or Jack in the Box.

Dave
-DPD Productions - Featuring the TrainTenna LP Gain RR Scanner Antenna-
http://eje.railfan.net/dpdp/

[Anonymous]

Ifr they must have a national franchise, Subway's the way to go, I think.

I wi***hem well.

[eolafan]

Those trains will REALLY smell good!

[cnw4001]

Well that will be just a 180 degree change if I happen to eat a Subway on an Amtrak train. I now sit and watch the trains go by while eating a Subway sandwich.

Dale

[trainboyH16-44]

Ditto on the last 2!
I think that this is a great idea, and I would board a train just to get subway. I think the backgrounds will carry over very well.
Matthew

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by cnw4001

Well that will be just a 180 degree change if I happen to eat a Subway on an Amtrak train. I now sit and watch the trains go by while eating a Subway sandwich.

Dale

Why not sit and eat while watching railfans go by?[;)]

[dharmon]

I have a turkey and cheese, hold the funding ;>

[jeaton]

It's put up or shut up time. Either it works or nobody will touch it.

[dharmon]

Maybe Jared will be hired on to replace Gunn....

[fuzzybroken]

So it makes me wonder... did Amtrak contract out to Subway or a franchisee or did they buy a franchise (or series thereof) themselves?

[blhanel]

Well, since Subway is about the only fast food fare that fits into my diet plan lately, I like the idea.[dinner]

[tree68]

Since it appears that this concept might only be used on relatively local trains, it might be possible that a regional vendor might get the contract in any given area. The sandwich/deli concept is a good one - fairly versatile and likely attractive to the bulk of the riders.

[vsmith]

Maybe their trying to see if Subway might buy Amtrack

[Anonymous]

Not a bad idea - given Subway seem to make sandwiches up to order they'll be able to keep a stack of rolls and a few tubs of fillings to hand without needing masses of storage space - their stores are often about the same size as a buffet car over here anyway!