Publix Subs Are Beloved, But Customers Say Ordering Them Could Be Easier

The grocery store game can be very subjective. Some people prefer a supermarket for its convenience, some for its variety, and others for its bargains. Publix, the Southeastern grocery chain known for its BOGO deals and above-average prepared foods, has garnered a loyal following, due in part to the popularity of the chain's deli sandwiches. Known also as Pub subs, the sandwiches are freshly made at the deli counter, and the lunch or dinner rush can create a bit of a line.

More recently, as noted in Tasting Table's 7 Changes Customers Wish Publix Would Make,  internet rumblings question why the deli line isn't more efficient. Whether you're hoping to pick up a simple turkey and cheese sandwich, or you're willing to wait a little longer for a Publix chicken tender sub or homestyle beef meatball sub, customers agree that the deli line could simply be faster.

According to a poster on the Publix subreddit, the line for Pub subs has gotten worse, and the previously quick turnaround has morphed into as much as a 25-minute wait — hardly doable on a lunch break from work. One Redditor claimed, "I've never felt like more of an inconvenience to someone than when I'm trying to order any deli from Publix." To that, another replied, "just said to my husband the other day that I was craving a [pub] sub but didn't want to ruin someone's entire day by ordering one." Diehard Publix fans, as well as some former employees, have speculated about the decrease in efficiency at the deli counter and offered some solutions.

Whether you're a regular customer or it's your first time at Publix, it's important to know that despite the increased lines, the sandwiches remain a top commodity for the grocery store chain. Publix uses quality deli meat, fresh produce, and freshly baked (in-house) bread. The store has even introduced a less dense, soft white sub roll that's an alternative for lighter pub subs. There are specialty subs and customizable offerings, and that alone can increase the wait time. Customers and employees of Publix have speculated on what else may be causing delayed lines, including reduced deli staffing and extra online orders. Because customers can tailor sandwiches to their liking, the logistics of preparing subs can get a little complicated, as one employee notes on the r/Publix subreddit: "Back when we had 8-10 subs on the menu it moved fine. We have over 100 now."

If you can't go without your pub sub, there are a couple of ways to make the process quicker. Facebook users suggest ordering online at least 30 minutes ahead of time, and pre-paying as well. This can allow customers to skip the deli line, but only if it's prepaid. "I order on their website and walk past the line when I show up for my pick up. It's prepaid so it's in and out," says one customer. While there's no guarantee it's that easy, relief comes at some Publix locations that have a designated bin where pickup orders are placed, allowing customers to bypass checkout completely.