Subway Catering: Platters, Boxes, Pricing & Ordering
Subway catering exists for exactly one reason: feeding a room of people who all want something different without cooking anything. Here are the formats, realistic prices, how many people each actually feeds, and the ordering details that go wrong most often.
The catering formats
Subway's catering range is short and practical. Every format is built from the same menu you already know, which is the whole appeal — nobody has to be briefed on unfamiliar food.
- Sandwich platters. Assorted subs cut into three-inch portions and arranged on a tray. The default choice for meetings, and the easiest to make dietary-inclusive.
- Boxed lunches. An individual box per person containing a six-inch sub, chips and a cookie. Ideal for events where people take food away rather than graze.
- Giant Subs. A single continuous sandwich, commonly three or six feet long, sliced at the venue. High-impact, needs the most notice.
- Cookie platters. Trays of a dozen or more assorted cookies, and the Footlong Cookie for smaller groups.
- Salad and protein bowl trays. Available at many locations for low-carb-friendly spreads.
- Drinks and sides. Bottled drinks, chip variety boxes and, at some locations, bulk coffee for breakfast events.
Pricing and portions
| Format | Typical price | Serves |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich platter (15 portions) | $44–$74 | 6–8 people |
| Large sandwich platter (30 portions) | $85–$139 | 12–16 people |
| Boxed lunch (per person) | $10.99–$15.99 | 1 person |
| 3ft Giant Sub | $59–$89 | 10–12 people |
| 6ft Giant Sub | $109–$169 | 20–25 people |
| Cookie platter (12) | $11.99–$17.99 | 8–12 people |
| Chip variety box | $14.99–$24.99 | 8–12 people |
As everywhere else on the menu, franchisees set their own catering prices — see the menu and prices guide for context on how much stores differ. Sales tax and any delivery fee sit on top.
How much food to actually order
The most common catering mistake is under-ordering because the tray looks large. Use these planning numbers:
- As a full lunch: 2.5 to 3 three-inch portions per adult. A 15-portion platter is therefore 5 to 6 people, not 15.
- Alongside other food: 1.5 to 2 portions per adult.
- Afternoon or evening events: add 15% — people eat more later in the day.
- Mixed-age groups: count children as roughly half an adult portion.
Always over-order the vegetarian option
Vegetarian portions on a mixed platter disappear first, and not only to vegetarians. Ask for at least a third of the tray to be Veggie Delite or a cheese-and-vegetable build, and request that it be grouped on one side of the tray and labelled.
How to place a catering order
- Start on the Subway catering ordering site and select your location to see the formats that store offers.
- For anything larger than two platters, call the restaurant directly after ordering online to confirm they have seen it and can staff it.
- Give 24 hours for platters and boxed lunches, 48 hours for Giant Subs and multi-tray orders.
- Confirm collection versus delivery, the delivery minimum, the fee, and exactly what time the food arrives — not "lunchtime".
- Send dietary requirements in writing, and ask for allergen-relevant items to be trayed separately.
Tips that quietly save the day
- Order the platters for 15 minutes before you need them. Subway kitchens are punctual, but rooms are not.
- Ask for sauces on the side. Sandwiches that sit for an hour with sauce inside go soft; dressed at the table they do not.
- Request extra napkins, serving tongs and plates — none are automatic on every order.
- Avoid ordering for pickup at 12:15 p.m. That is peak counter rush; 11:30 or 1:30 is smoother for everyone.
- If you cater regularly, build a relationship with one store manager. Repeat catering customers get better notice windows and fewer surprises.
Not sure which store to call? Use the store locator guide to find the nearest location that handles catering.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I order Subway catering?
Give at least 24 hours for platters and boxed lunches, and 48 hours for a Giant Sub or a large multi-platter order. Small trays can sometimes be produced same-day if you call the store directly and the lunch rush is clear.
How many people does a Subway platter feed?
A standard sandwich platter holds around 15 three-inch sandwich portions and comfortably serves 6 to 8 people as a main. Plan roughly two to three portions per adult if it is the only food being served.
Does Subway deliver catering orders?
Many locations do, usually with a minimum order value and inside a limited radius. Catering delivery is arranged with the store rather than a third-party app, so call to confirm the minimum and any fee.
Can I get a Giant Sub at any Subway?
No. Giant Subs (typically 3ft or 6ft) require notice and are only produced by participating locations. Ask when you call — this is the item most likely to need a different nearby store.