Not having drive thru windows was their first flaw. That turned me off even back when they had a decent product.
We live in podunkville so have only 3 fast food joints. Two are burgers places that have drive thru windows. Then there’s Subway. Hardly any cars are parked at the Subway where there’s a line at the places with a drive thru. That’s the reason for “fast” food. No one wants to park, get out, go in and stand around waiting for their food.
We hadn’t been in years but decided to try them for something different and because of a 2 for 1 coupon. Pitiful. Totally tasteless. Couldn’t taste the cheese or the beef or the Sweet Onion sauce. The Oat Bread also had no taste. The veggies tasted old and very chemically. Didn’t finish it. Nope. Never again.
My town sounds like yours. Our Subway is relatively new, and they make a decent sandwich. But “fast” is not getting out, walking in, and waiting for a sub. That lack of convenience has me drive on by.