Most sub sandwich chains now deliver through their own apps, third-party platforms, or direct phone orders
You can order submarine sandwiches for delivery from three main routes: the restaurant's own website or mobile app, third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, or by calling the location directly. Each route has different fees, timing, and sandwich availability. The fastest option depends on whether you want a specific chain, what your neighborhood covers, and whether you're willing to pay delivery markups.
National chains like Subway, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, and Firehouse Subs all offer delivery, but coverage and speed vary by location. Local sandwich shops may deliver through their own systems or through third-party platforms, but not all participate in every service. Understanding which method works for your address and budget takes a few minutes of checking, but saves money and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Ordering directly from a chain's app or website usually costs less than using DoorDash or Uber Eats because you avoid platform fees and markups.
- Third-party delivery services cover more neighborhoods and restaurants but add 15 to 30 percent to your total through delivery fees, service fees, and higher menu prices.
- Phone orders to your nearest location often arrive faster than app orders and let you confirm customizations before the sandwich is made.
- Delivery time ranges from 20 to 45 minutes for chain restaurants and 30 to 60 minutes for local shops, depending on distance and current order volume.
- Minimum order amounts vary by platform and location — some chains require $10 to $15 minimums for delivery, while others have none.
Ordering directly from the restaurant's app or website
Most major chains have their own mobile apps or websites where you can order for delivery without paying a third-party platform fee. Subway, Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, Firehouse Subs, and Quiznos all operate their own delivery systems in many areas. You create an account, enter your address, build your sandwich with all customizations, and pay at checkout. The restaurant then prepares your order and sends it out with their own driver or a contracted delivery service.
This route is usually the cheapest because you pay only the sandwich price, tax, and a delivery fee set by the restaurant — typically $2 to $5. You avoid the 15 to 30 percent markup that third-party platforms add to menu prices. Timing is often faster too, since the restaurant controls the entire process and doesn't compete with orders from other restaurants on the same driver's route.
The trade-off is limited coverage. If a chain doesn't have a location near you, or if that location doesn't offer delivery in your zip code, you cannot order through their app. You can check coverage by entering your address on the restaurant's website or app — it will tell you when ready whether delivery is available and what the fee is.
Using third-party delivery platforms
DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, and similar services let you order from multiple sandwich shops in one app, even if those shops don't have their own delivery systems. This is useful if you want to compare options, see real-time delivery estimates, or order from a local sandwich shop that doesn't deliver on its own. The platform handles payment, driver assignment, and tracking.
The cost is higher. Platforms typically charge a delivery fee ($2 to $8), a service fee (10 to 15 percent of your order), and a small order fee if you're under the minimum. Many restaurants also raise menu prices on third-party platforms to offset the commission they pay — a $7 sub might cost $8 or $8.50 on DoorDash. Your total bill often runs 20 to 30 percent more than ordering directly from the restaurant.
Speed varies. Delivery usually takes 30 to 50 minutes depending on distance and how many other orders the driver is carrying. You can see the estimated arrival time before you order, and most apps show live tracking once the driver is on the way. Some platforms offer faster tiers — DoorDash Dash Pass members get reduced fees, and some restaurants offer "priority" orders for an extra charge.
Calling the restaurant directly
Phoning your nearest sandwich shop and ordering over the phone is still one of the fastest and most reliable methods, especially for local shops or if you have complex customization requests. You speak to someone who can confirm your address, clarify toppings, and give you an exact delivery time. The restaurant knows your order is correct before the sandwich is made, which reduces mistakes.
Pricing is the same as ordering in person — no app fees, no platform markups. Delivery fees vary by restaurant and distance, but are usually $3 to $6. Payment is typically cash on delivery or card over the phone. Timing is often 20 to 35 minutes for nearby locations, since the restaurant can prioritize your order and send it out as soon as it's ready.
The downside is that not all shops deliver, and those that do may have limited delivery zones. You need to know the restaurant's phone number and hours. Some shops don't take phone orders during peak times, or may have a wait if they're busy. But for a quick, cheap, accurate order, a phone call often beats an app.
Comparing costs across ordering methods
| Ordering Method | Typical Delivery Fee | Other Fees | Menu Price Markup | Typical Total Cost for $7 Sub |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant app or website | $2–$5 | None | None | $9–$12 |
| Third-party platform (DoorDash, Uber Eats) | $3–$8 | Service fee 10–15%, small order fee | $0.50–$1.50 | $11–$15 |
| Phone order to restaurant | $3–$6 | None | None | $10–$13 |
The actual cost depends on your location, the restaurant, and current promotions. Many chains offer discounts through their apps — Subway and Jimmy John's frequently run deals like "free delivery on orders over $10" or percentage discounts for app users. Third-party platforms sometimes offer first-order discounts or promotional codes, but these are usually one-time offers. Comparing the final price before you order takes 30 seconds and can save $2 to $5 per order.
If you order regularly from the same restaurant, using their app or calling directly will cost significantly less over time than relying on third-party platforms. Even a single dollar saved per order adds up to $30 or more per year if you order twice a month.
Delivery time and what affects it
Most sub sandwich deliveries arrive within 30 to 50 minutes from the time you place your order, but this varies based on distance, restaurant workload, and traffic. A Jimmy John's location two miles away might deliver in 20 minutes, while a local shop five miles away might take 45 minutes. Peak hours — lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., and dinner between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. — add 10 to 20 minutes to most estimates.
Third-party platforms show estimated delivery time before you order, so you can decide whether to wait. Restaurant apps and phone orders usually give you a time range when you order. If you need a sandwich urgently, ordering from a location within two miles, during off-peak hours, and through the restaurant's own system gives you the best chance of a 20 to 30 minute delivery.
Some chains advertise faster delivery — Jimmy John's emphasizes speed and often delivers in under 30 minutes. Subway and Firehouse Subs are typically in the 30 to 40 minute range. Local shops vary widely. If timing is critical, call ahead and ask the restaurant how long delivery will take, rather than relying on app estimates.
Customization and special requests
Most sub sandwich apps let you customize your order — choose bread type, add or remove toppings, request extra sauce, and note allergies. You can usually type special instructions in a notes field. However, mistakes happen more often with delivery than with in-person orders because the sandwich maker doesn't see your face and may misread notes.
If you have a complex order or a serious allergy, calling the restaurant directly is safer. You can speak to the person making your sandwich or a manager, confirm your request, and ask them to flag your order. This takes five minutes but nearly eliminates the risk of a wrong sandwich arriving.
Third-party platforms sometimes lose custom requests in translation between the app and the restaurant's kitchen. If your order is critical, place it through the restaurant's own app or by phone instead. For straightforward orders — a standard sub with one or two changes — app customization usually works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to tip the delivery driver?
Tipping is customary but not required. Most people tip $2 to $5 for delivery, or 15 to 20 percent of the order total. On third-party platforms, you can set the tip before the driver is assigned or add it after delivery. For phone orders or restaurant app orders, you can tip in cash when the driver arrives or add it to your card payment.
What if my sandwich arrives wrong or damaged?
Contact the restaurant or platform when ready with a photo if possible. Most will remake the sandwich and redeliver it, or refund your money. Third-party platforms usually process refunds through the app within 24 to 48 hours. For restaurant app or phone orders, call the location directly and they will often send a replacement right away.
Which sandwich chains deliver to the most areas?
Subway has the widest delivery coverage because it has the most locations nationwide. Jimmy John's, Jersey Mike's, and Firehouse Subs also deliver to most urban and suburban areas. Local sandwich shops vary by region. Check DoorDash or Uber Eats to see all available options in your zip code, then compare prices across the restaurant's own app if they have one.
Can I order a sub sandwich for delivery if I don't have a smartphone?
Yes. Call the restaurant directly and place your order over the phone. Most chains and local shops accept phone orders for delivery and take payment by card or cash on arrival. This method works just as well as using an app and often results in faster, more accurate orders.
Are there minimum order amounts for delivery?
Minimums vary by restaurant and platform. Some chains have no minimum if you order through their app, while third-party platforms often require $10 to $15 minimum orders. Check the app or website before you build your order — it will show the minimum if one exists. If you're under the minimum, you can add a drink or chips to reach it, or order through a different method.