Illinois and New Jersey plaintiffs allege subway Footlong came up short

Last week, a video of an Australian teenager measuring his Subway Footlong sandwich and showing it to be one inch short of the promised length went viral. This led  to legal action against the company in New Jersey and Illinois, according to the Chicago Tribune. 

Similar online posts followed the video, with many Subway patrons alleging that their sandwiches also measured less than a foot. Separate plaintiffs filed suits seeking damages for the missing amount. Nguyen Buren filed his claim in Chicago, stating that his Subway sandwich was less than 11 inches long. Buren alleged that the company underwent a “pattern of fraudulent, deceptive and otherwise improper advertising, sales and marketing practices.”

Buren filed his lawsuit this past Tuesday while two men in New Jersey state court filed similar cases seeking $5 million in damages. Both plaintiffs have filed for class action status.

“This is no different than if you bought a dozen eggs and they gave you 11 or you bought a dozen doughnuts and they gave you 11,” attorney Tom Zimmerman, who is representing Buren, told the source. “Here, you bought a dozen inches of sandwich and you got less than 11. It’s no different, and yet you’re paying for 12.”

The publication Eater International mentioned that the plaintiffs are asking Subway to either stop advertising their sandwiches as being 12 inches long or to actually make the product the full length. 

Food manufacturers and chain restaurant owners in Arizona should consider paying attention to these lawsuits against Subway. Ensuring customer satisfaction is extremely important when attempting to grow a franchise and expand in one’s industry. As such, all marketing techniques should follow consumer protection laws and be completely honest. Arizona businesses that need additional information should contact Phoenix business attorneys.

Categorised in: International Business Law

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