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Subway Complaint - Elimination of Seafood and Crab Sandwich from Menu.... - Seafood and Crab Sandwich

Complaint
Review by leeuniverse on 2006-03-19
I am expressing my extreme dissapointment and ANGER with Subway for eliminating this sandwich from their menu nation wide. I have been eating this sandwich and almost only this sandwich for 14 years, in heaven from the moment I first tasted it. I understand the need for changes, and modifications, but what they should have done is some new advertising on the sandwich, saw really none the last few years. Stop opening so many stores, for almost every one here in Vegas is near vacant most of the time through the day. Just make LESS of the product, or at least have SOME stores offer the product, or make it when it's requested, since all it is is a light mayo and the seafood and crab. etc.

See, the thing that makes this really bad other than the fact that the sandwich was and is my favorite food of all time, is the fact that you simply can't find the sandwich anywear else. Most of their other sandwiches however you can find at a 100 other places, as well easily made oneself. This is absolutely unacceptable. A common person can't even find out where they bought it from so as to get it again themselves.

Anyway, Subway needs to bring this product back, at least in limited release at some resturants or one minimum in an area. In fact, doing so with a new Ad campaign might stimulate interest again.

So, while I found their Terriaki sub to be a nice distraction on rare occasion, until they bring back the seafood and crab, I am no longer bringing my business to them. I was looking forward to trying the seafood and crab on a Toasted Bun, but when I went to try it, my sandwich was gone. Every time I look at a subway now, I simply get angry, because I think of my sandwich, and my mouth waters for it.

Shame on Subway, for unilaterally destroying 1000's of peoples enjoyment. Whatever happened to simply good business, catering to the customer, and the standard simply MAKE LESS practices?

I could take McDonalds getting rid of their Arch Deluxe, or their Sweet Honey Mustard, but I can't take this. And if I had the time, and if I ever do have some time, I will be protesting in front of their stores, and I will be getting petitions. But, sadly, I don't know when I can or if I will be able to do that. But to be clear, I'm not into that kind of thing accept in really bad cases, so frankly, that's how really mad I am about this. Subway.... You have been informed.
Comments:
Posted by Ponie on 2006-03-19:
Evidently the '1000's' of people weren't ordering the sandwich anymore--ergo--no sandwich.
Posted by UrFriendlyPirate on 2006-03-19:
The only constant in life - is CHANGE
Posted by zzrokk on 2006-03-19:
Well, at least you can still get a good juicy "fish sammy" at Micky D's eh, p-dud?
Posted by crewboy on 2006-03-20:
If this sandwich was popular and selling well enough to keep it around, it would not have been discontinued. However, if you think you can get enough people to sign a petition to make Subway bring the sandwich back--more power to you. If you honestly believe that thousands of people want to buy this sandwich then go for it. But I think you can probably make it yourself quite easily. If you say it's nothing more than light mayo and crab meat, you can do this at home...and probably for less than what you pay at Subway.
Posted by zzrokk on 2006-03-20:
If anyone is interested, Mr. pirate has numerous recipes for seafood or tuna salads. Just make sure that you like a lot of 'mayo' in your salads.
Posted by dsmith68 on 2006-03-21:
I think it is sad that you basically stuck with the same sandwich for 14 years.
Posted by zzrokk on 2006-03-21:
Coming from Subway the operative word would be LUCKY.
Posted by leeuniverse on 2006-06-26:
Man.... This is all the comments I've got?
Unfortunate.
Yes, I know that it wasn't a high seller, because people here in the states were afraid of trying it. When they think sandwich, they think the old standby's, and are afraid of trying something different, especially seafood. But 99% of people I've seen try it, who like seafood, love it. It was however a unique sandwich, and there are millions of products out there in the world that don't get high sales, but they are still offered. Yet, so some stores made only 5 of them a day or something, so what? That's really not a big deal when your selling only like a 100 sandwiches per day at said store. And yes, I've tried to make it myself, but it's not even the same, somewhat tasty, but not even close in taste. So, I'm guessing none of you have a food that your mouth just waters for? That you've eaten for years as a special treat? Cause if you had, you would understand.

I felt almost the same when McDonalds got rid of the Arch Deluxe. The best burger in taste I had had up until then. But burgers are one in a million, so that wasn't a major loss, especially when Jack in the Box has the new Bacon and Cheese Chibatta these days. And Micky D's still has there yummy fries and chicken nuggets. Though the nuggets I think they were better tasting when they had a little brown meat mixed with the white meat.

Anyway, change is often good, especially towards the "better".
But loss of a good thing is never a good thing.
Posted by Kasar on 2006-07-06:
The subway that I work at still has the seafood. and by the way it is not made with light mayo anymore. It regular mayo and that mayo taste's different.
Posted by abbykito on 2006-07-26:
I agree with you a 100%. This was the only sandwich I ate from there so now I do not go there anymore. PLUS that dreadful new advertisement with the man screaming "EAT FRESH" is enough to put anyone off going there. LOL
Posted by Erika H on 2006-08-12:
Hello, first of all, it has not been discontinued nation wide. I believe it is decided by the franchisee. I am the General Manager of a Subway, I tried to get rid of the crab sandwich and was told by the owner that I can not. Weather it was his decision or corporate decision, I do not know. The owner told me it was a corporate who not not let us discontinue it. I wanted to discontinue this product because I sell less than 1 sandwich a day. I have managed this by cutting the 5 pound package of crab in half, putting the other 1/2 back in the freezer. I often throw out the seafood. But that's business. I feel bad that you can't find it. I believe you were lied to when you were told it has been discontinued nation wide. I feel bad, I almost want to mail you a package of the product along with the mayonnaise!
Second of all, in refference to a comment posted earlier about this sandwich, it IS real crab, it is a blend of crab and alaskan whitefish. Much more authentic than D'Angelgo (east coast competition) "seafood" I've spent time there also. Thank you.
Posted by j-bird333 on 2006-09-05:
It hasn't been discontinued nationwide because I can still order it at the Subways in my area of FL...there are other areas of FL though that are not carrying it anymore...& when I went out to CA a couple months ago, we went to a Subway there that said they haven't carried it in 2 years! It is my favorite by far too, so I can understand your frustration & I'm glad I can still find it around here, for now anyway...I thought maybe it had something to do w/ the caloric value of it, not how it sells...I think it has the most carbs & calories out of all of their subs...maybe not as much as their meatball or something...but I thought that had something to do with it since it's not one of the "healthier" offerings...but anyway, it's still my favorite & has been for years.
Posted by Fogeyogre on 2006-09-25:
The Seafood and Crab sandwich, or the Seafood Sensation sandwich as Subway renamed it, was actually a pretty popular sandwich overall.

Sure, some niche areas may not have sold many of them, but to have it removed from the menu nationwide, which it pretty much has been, is a huge marketing boner considering that it has been a staple of Subway’s franchise since the mid seventies, and has spawned many imitators. From what I can gather, Subway was a pioneer when it came to introducing America to imitation crabmeat, and along with Jana Worldwide, the company which manufactures their blend of imitation crabmeat, pretty much opened America’s eyes and introduced the country to this treat. For them to sneakily yank it from their menu on their website, and in stores across the country unless the license owner specifically insists on keeping it, is pretty sad.

The decision has indeed generated a number of complaints, and disgruntled customers. I’m one of them.

The decision also apparently has little to do with the fat or calorie content of the seafood mix. If someone is counting these things, sure the Seafood Sensation sandwich was on the upper end of Subway’s menu scale when it came to that sort of thing. However, it was trounced by other sandwiches that are still on the menu, and even its sibling, the ever-popular tuna sandwich. Yes, believe it or not, the Seafood and Crab sandwich was healthier for you than the Tuna sandwich.

One problem with the sandwich may have been with the discrepancies in how various stores prepared it. Some used the preferable scoop method. This is the right way for a Subway to prepare a Seafood and Crab sandwich, along with the good old U gouge, which of course is an entirely different debate. Other, stingier, stores would dish it out of tiny, measured cups. The cup method left the customer feeling cheated and less likely to order the sandwich at that store a second time. That, combined with the price, since it was the most expensive sandwich on the menu, may have resulted in the decision to give it the axe.

Oh well.

Don’t fret people. You can make it at home though. There’s a trick however. Just using random brands of imitation crab only won’t work most of the time, since finding the exact brand of Jana imitation crab that Subway uses repackaged for sale to consumers is nigh impossible. I’ve only done it once with a single, perfect package of imitation crab, and I can’t even remember the specific name of that brand and I’ve never stumbled across it again. I’ve looked. Using JUST imitation crab just doesn’t taste right, or have the right texture. Your best results will happen if you mix imitation crab with either imitation king crab or imitation lobster. Or be bold and brave and use all three. Use a little of flake and chunk salad style. I like to use Hellman’s mayo, regular, not light, and you mix it up with no flavorings or seasonings. Just the meat and the mayo. Wham. Done. I have found that with a little experimentation, it tastes and has a consistency nearly identical to the blend Subway uses. The biggest drawback to making this at home is that you don’t have Subway’s wonderful bread, but I’ve found that the self-rising French or Italian breads you can purchase now from any decent supermarket that bake up in your oven in a couple minutes work okay. Throw on some provolone cheese, the seafood and crab mix, some balsamic or salad vinegar, olive oil and the rest of your favorite fresh toppings, voila. Instant gratification and more in the fridge for later. It also works great in wraps, etc. If you go crazy and make a ton, it keeps in the fridge for around four days to a week if you keep it nice and sealed in a Tupperware container.

I would have never have discovered this if they hadn’t pulled the sandwich from the market.

Still, when I travel, I do pop my head into the occasional Subway if it is convenient, and scan the menu. Just in case. If I don’t see my sandwich, I don’t order anything.

Hmm, it’s been a really long time since I spent any money at a Subway. It’s also been a while since I’ve seen my sandwich. Around the same period of time, now that I think about it. What a curious synchronicity.
Posted by leeuniverse on 2006-10-11:
Wow... Thanks all. I'm glad I finally got some good comments. Some excellent ones in fact. Unfortunately, I've tried the making it yourself thing, and it hasn't worked well. Plus, I don't have the time or money to get so creative. But, I will certainly save those comments. Indeed, I pop in once in awhile, and they never have my sandwich, and indeed, I haven't order from a subway since they got rid of it, accept the day I discovered it gone, and I was with my family at the time. But not since.

As to the Subway Manager, your helpfulness is very kind. I think I might take you up on your offer, or at least get more info, so I'm not in the dark anymore. I couldn't even find any info on what the meat was or where it came from, or the mayonnaise, etc.

Thanks so much all. :)
Posted by naiad on 2007-02-21:
I had the same problem with subway and not carrying the seafood sandwich anymore.

and I ran accross this in an attempt to find a recipe.

If you ever want to make your own all you have to do is mix imitation crab meat ($2 lb at your local store) with creamy light mayoniase (1 part light mayonaise & 1 part milk) and viola.

not much help if you're going out to lunch, but it helps the cravings for the seafood sandwiches if your local subway has opted to discontinue them.
Posted by hburggirl01 on 2007-05-07:
Hi, I too love the seafood and crab sandwich. I am lucky enough to still have it in my area but did notice they had pulled it off most of the advertisements. And I do think some of the locations use the light mayo and some use the regular (probably depends on who mixes it up that day) but i know i have had it with the light before. It's, ofcourse, more tastey with the regular. I think it's a great sandwich and the main sandwich I get a subway. I like it because it's different - like the original poster said. I can understand the waste issue because seafood does not keep well. But I too LOVE it and hope it is not discontinued in our area.
Posted by subwayguru on 2008-08-31:
Actually the Seafood & Crab sandwich was not eliminated nationally. I serve it in my restaurant in Pennsylvania. Every Subway restaurant can choose up to two subs as a local store option to serve in addition to their regular menu. I serve enough of these sandwiches that I do not have to worry about losing product. However, I know many franchisees say they do not sell enough and usually have to through product away.
Posted by gr33n_eyed_monster on 2008-11-05:
I, also have stopped going to Subway since they discontinued the Seafood&Crab. That sandwich was something I actually craved. If someone gets a petition going, I will sign!!!
Posted by Morpheus on 2009-09-04:
It seems obvious that the ppl that are saying that they got rid of it for " ... " (Whatever reason!) all seem to follow at least these two things!

1. They never tried it! So, they are ignorant & don't know how good it is and are therefore throwing in their "3 cents" without knowing WTF they are talking about!

2. They never asked at any of the Subway restaurants why they got rid of it. (I was told, when I asked, that it was "unhealthy" & that's why they got rid of it. Which doesn't make any sense! Maybe the real reason that they got rid of it is bc it wasn't selling in certain restaurants but, God forbid they advertise the damned thing, which they never did!! But, just in case, somebody please explain to me what is so "unhealthy" about light mayo, warm fresh bread, fresh vegetables, and fresh seafood!?!)


There are Subway restaurants out there that do still carry it however! And if anyone takes this information that I provide here and it proves to be inaccurate, in any way, feel free to chime in and update us with your experiences. I sincerely hope that this helps someone!

These are two Subway restaurants that I know of that still carry the "Seafood Sandwich" today.

1. 1001 Market St
Gallery II Mall
Philadelphia, PA 19107

- I entered thru the Burlington Coat Factory Entrance on 11th & Market. I went into the mall, down an escalator, & headed south towards the Market/Frankford Line (Which is the subway, a.k.a. the "L", that can get you to & from the mall.), and after I came out of the bathroom, which is what I was originally there for, I headed back in the direction that I came from and I passed a Subway on the way and I went in & asked. And low & behold, they had it!

Go figure!!

2. 3718 Bristol Pike
Bensalem, PA 19020

- Head north on Bristol Pike/Rt. 13 coming from Street Rd/Rt. 132. It will be on your left hand side, at the corner of Bensalem Blvd and Bristol Pike. They've had it for years and at this location I did make it a point to ask them .."Did Subway bring it back?" and they looked at me like they didn't know what the hell I was talking about...

Go figure!! (Maybe as a company/corporation Subway lets individual restaurants run themselves, meaning that they let them make the vast majority of the decisions about what they sell. Bigger things, like advertised sandwiches (Like on TV!), advertisements, posters, logos, etc., I suspect comes down from on high, meaning from corporate, and they are things that they have to follow!)


You can take those addresses and confirm their exact locations using Google Maps (Or Yahoo, MSN, Map Quest, etc.) and I HIGHLY suggest that any time you see a Subway restaurant go in & ask them if they have it and even ask to speak to the manager and ask them to allow you to make a formal request to bring the damned thing back!

I hope this helps!!
Posted by Meatwad_09 on 2010-03-03:
We still have the sandwich all over Arkansas... just had one last week actually...
Posted by jermy3314 on 2010-08-11:
Subway pulled the rug out from under me. Seafood Sensation is ahead of anything else they have. I never ordered anything else except an occasional change to chicken.
Posted by Liz G on 2010-09-06:
I am will not go to Subway anymore, either. The seafood sub was the only thing I went there for. I do not eat any meat outside of seafood. I am lactose intolerant so I don't eat cheese. That leaves nothing else for me at Subway.
Posted by babybear62005 on 2011-03-27:
I love this sub too, it's my favorite, and they've discontinued it in my area as well. I see that Quiznos is now selling a lobster seafood sub, I'll have to check it out.
Posted by NYKOLE on 2011-05-27:
I COMPLETELY AGREE!!! THAT IS MY FAVORITE ALSO. THEY DISCONTINUED IT THEN BROUGHT IT BACK AND NOW HAVE DISCONTINUED IT AGAI. THAT IS SO STUPID. THEIR ARE NUMBER 1 FOR HAVING THE MOST LOCATIONS SO THEY COULD HAVE LEFT SEAFOOD SENSATION IN SOME LOCATIONS. 1 EVERY 5 MILES OR SOMETHING. EVEN 1 IN EVERY MAJOR CITY. I AM WILLING TO TRAVEL FOR THIS. I HAVE BEEN CALLING EVERY LOCATION EVEN CALLED CORPORATE THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
Posted by Agreed! on 2011-06-13:
I went in another store today looking for it and was told it has been discontinued. I ordered something else, but it wasn't very good. Probably won't go back! I am glad I am not the only one who loved it.
Posted by TRACEY on 2011-06-21:
All of the northern illinois subway still have the sandwich - the name has just changed to the seafood sensation sandwich - same as the seafood and crab - y u m m y !!
Posted by Dotte on 2011-12-29:
I live in a small town in Ohio. Our Subway is in Buffalo, Ohio and they do not have the crab or the Seafood sensation sub. They don't sell it and they say it is the owner who won't put it on their menu. I did not think the owner had a choice in what he sells in his Subway. I thought he had to sell what Subway tells him to sell. Is this true?
Posted by Laverne on 2012-02-09:
The sandwich is still availabl at several of m locations here in Chicago. What is annoying me is I cannot find the nutritional value for the darn thing and I posted it on Subways wall and they deleted my query.
I will estimate it from another site.
Posted by Alan on 2012-02-26:
Had one in Hattiesburg, MS last week. Had one in Baxter, MN this week. I will check everytime now, and just walk out if they don't have it.
Posted by Robin on 2012-06-05:
The one's near me don't carry it (of course), but for a mere half hour drive 2109 Polaris Parkway Columbus Ohio still sells them!
Posted by John on 2012-06-11:
Go to www.change.org and make a petition to get it back. Spread the word. I miss that sandwich too... best one on the menu
Posted by eazy e on 2012-08-01:
I totally agrgee with ya brotha! One of my fav sandwiches of all time....ALL TIME! if there is any list that you need my signature please contact me....ericculpepper@gmail.com
Posted by Seafood lover on 2013-02-21:
I haven't seen it in years on the west coast. Only thing I ate there. Loved it since the 80s, shocked that owners choose not to carry subways signature unique sub in specific markets. The secret to making it at home is a pinch of old bay seasoning. It was premixed into the mayo for the sub years back, and as they started low profiling it got switched to plain reg mayo or lt mayo. Wish they would bring it back as even a seasonal special.
Posted by dodonnieg on 2013-03-04:
I also loved the seafood sensation sandwich, not able to get it here in Peculiar Mo. any longer, that was the only sandwich I really liked, so now I no longer eat at Subway, Quiznos has them !!!!! SO I GO THERE NOW ... SORRY SUBWAY

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