- Subway also announced it will follow rivals by introducing its own dedicated app
Subway has announced that it will introduce self-service kiosks across its UK stores within months.
Customers will be able to place orders via a digital screen which are then sent to the kitchen, rather than making their way along the fresh-food counter as usual.
According to The Grocer, the self-service kiosks will be in all UK stores by the end of the year.
The sandwich giant will also follow in the footsteps of some of its fast-food rivals with the introduction of its own dedicated app.
Customers will be able to place orders via a digital screen which are then sent to the kitchen (stock photo)
The move comes after Subway launched its biggest menu change in nearly 25 years (stock photo)
The new app will also enable online orders and offer customers points towards a loyalty scheme which can be converted into ‘Subway Cash’ to spend on the menu.
Dan Holm, digital leader at Subway, said: ‘Digital integration and growth continue to be a key focus of Subway’s transformation journey, and, over the past few years, the brand has made impressive strides.
‘As we think about Subway’s future, we’re doubling down on our global digital commitment to streamline and simplify the guest experience from start to finish and improve operational efficiencies for our franchisees.’
Self-service kiosks are already used by other UK-based fast-food chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, Taco Bell, Tim Hortons and Leon.
Almost all of McDonald’s 1,450 UK restaurants now have self-service kiosks.
The introduction of self-service kiosks has proved controversial with critics claiming it could affect people’s jobs.
A Subway spokesperson told MailOnine: ‘Kiosks are designed to enhance the guest’s ordering experience and create efficiencies for the franchisee’s team members.
The company owns more than 2,000 UK sites with the majority operated under franchise (stock photo)
The self-service kiosks will be in all Subway UK stores by the end of the year (stock photo)
‘They are not intended to replace any aspect of the current ordering process at Subway.’
The move comes after Subway launched its biggest menu change in nearly 25 years.
It now offers 15 sandwiches with set fillings alongside its customisable selection.
The company owns more than 2,000 UK sites with the majority operated under franchise.
Subway was acquired by affliates of Roark Capital for a reported $9.55 billion (£7.6 billion) last summer.
Last year, AI entrepreneur Valyant AI warned that computer kiosks and robots could replace the majority of fast food roles within five to ten years.
Speaking to Fox News: ‘This is definitely a watershed moment for artificial intelligence.
‘We are going to see AI jump from back-office processing and manufacturing facilities to consumer-facing, front-facing, traditionally human-only jobs.’
