Why Are the Subs Numbered?
New customers spend a surprising amount of energy trying to work out the numbering system. There is not much of one to find.
One sequence, two boards
Hot and cold subs share a single numbered run rather than each starting from one. That means the numbers on the cold board have gaps where hot subs occupy them, and vice versa, which is why nothing reads sequentially.
Numbers were assigned as items joined the menu over time, so the order reflects history rather than category.
What the numbers are actually for
Speed at the counter. A number is faster to call across a busy shop than a five-word item name, and it reduces mishearing between similar items.
You are not expected to use them. Ordering by name is completely routine and staff will not react.
Practical shortcut
If you order the same thing regularly, learning its number does genuinely speed up a busy lunchtime queue. For everything else, point or say the name.
Frequently asked
Do I have to order by number?
No. Names work perfectly well and are more reliable if you are unsure.
Why are the numbers not in order?
Hot and cold subs share one sequence, and numbers were assigned as items were added over the years.
Are the numbers the same everywhere?
The core numbering is consistent nationally, though non-traditional locations with reduced menus may not carry every number.