SUBWAY has introduced a huge shake-up to the way customers order at a number of restaurants - including a divisive feature.
The fast-food restaurant has announced the launch of new self-service kiosks, a brand-new app, and an improved loyalty programme.
The changes are part of a wider digital experience revamp that sees the chain following the likes of rivals including KFC and McDonald's in rolling out kiosks for people to order directly without having to see a cashier.
Thanks to a combination of controversial self-service kiosks and the already-existing digital menu boards, customers will be able to place their orders through digital screens.
Orders will then be sent to the kitchen directly.
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Subway says kiosks have already been introduced in many restaurants across the UK, Finland and Germany, and hundreds more will be introduced.
According to The Grocer, self-service kiosks will be available in every UK store by the end of the year.
The sandwich shop chain stressed no jobs would be cut due to the introduction of the kiosks with a spokesperson saying: "Kiosks are designed to enhance the guest’s ordering experience and create efficiencies for the franchisee’s team members.
"They are not intended to replace any aspect of the current process of ordering at Subway."
Subway is also launching a new app which will enable customers to place online orders.
Another recent update is the relaunch of Subway Rewards, allowing customers to earn points on every purchase and then convert them into Subway Cash to be used on any menu items, with no minimum spend.
Under the new loyalty scheme, which was launched on May 16, customers earn 10 points per £1 on spending of up to £149.99 in a calendar year, 11 points per £1 spent between £150 and £349.99, and 12 points per £1 spent above that.
Each 150 points will get customers £1 off in-store orders and while there is no minimum spend, customers need to redeem at least £1 at a time.
Carrie Walsh, president of Subway EMEA, said: "Europe is leading Subway's global digital evolution by providing guests with an elevated in-restaurant and online experience and more ways for them to order their favourite subs.
"Early guest feedback on the kiosks, app and loyalty program has been extremely positive and franchisees across the market are eager to bring the new digital enhancements to their restaurants."
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Self-checkouts were first introduced more than 10 years ago in major supermarkets and now they are available at several retailers and food outlets.
McDonald's first introduced kiosks in 2015 and it now has more than 70,000 machines worldwide, according to Retail Technology Review.
Burger King, KFC and Leon also have similar systems in place in the majority of their restaurants.
But not everyone is a fan of the new tech, with fans regularly taking to social media to moan about them, and some voicing fears that self-service kiosks could have an impact on jobs.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, one user said: "I haven’t been in a McDonald’s in years.
"They put those kiosks in and they were infuriating to use. I have tons of other choices for food."
One KFC fan recently wrote: "KFC’s kiosks are complete trash!"
While others prefer self-service systems, with one McDonald's shopper writing: "I always use kiosks and self-checkout if possible.
"Combined with Apple Pay, it's seamless, easy, and quick! I actually prefer these over anything else."
Before the latest membership changes were introduced, Subway had warned customers that they would need to use their points by May 14 to avoid losing them.
The chain said in an email sent to customers: "We're having a makeover, with a new levelling system, bigger rewards and surprise treats, the more you spend the better it gets.
"You have until May 14, 2024 to continue to make use of the current Subway Rewards benefits and offers."
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