Subway changes from restaurant to grocery store during coronavirus outbreak

Subway is transforming its business model to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

The sandwich chain is starting Subway Grocery, which gives people the chance to order food for pickup or delivery, according to the company.

The service launched in five states and has several participating locations in California, Oregon, Washington, Tennessee and Connecticut.

“With most Subway dining rooms closed due to COVID-19, we’re using our access to food distribution to offer Subway ingredients to our local communities during this difficult time,” Subway said.

People can order food for curbside pickup, inside pickup or delivery within 5 miles of the store, according to Subway.

Different breads, lunch meats, proteins, cheeses and vegetables can be ordered, as well as some soups and egg patties, are among theselection to choose from.

Customers can also show their appreciation to those fighting COVID-19 by adding “First Responder Subs” to their cart, which will prompt Subway to deliver sandwiches to doctors, nurses, police, fire and EMTs, according to the chain.

White House coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx said Sunday that to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should avoid going to the grocery store, McClatchy News reported.

Many stores have offered pickup and delivery options for groceries, but many stores are slammed during the coronavirus pandemic, according to McClatchy News.

“We hope our grocery offering will be a helpful, safer alternative to crowded grocery stores while also helping us support our amazing employees,” the company said.

This story was originally published April 6, 2020 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Subway changes from restaurant to grocery store during coronavirus outbreak."