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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to complain again about sandwich shop manager.

58 replies

StressedOutButProudMama · 16/03/2026 20:03

AIBU to be annoyed at new Sandwich shop manager . So for years we've used the same Shop for sandwiches (a well known firm) and me and my son get two half white subs. I have issues with texture due to autism and prefer softer bread and my son prepares harder bread. So for years we've always asked for the the roll to be sliced and two bottoms used for my sub and two tops for my son's. I'll then add chicken mayo and cheese and my son tuna mayo and cheese. Staff had no issue as they are charging same amount because we both have a 6 inch sub roll it's just the tops are switched with each other. So essentially it's one 12" sub cut in half and the tops switched, I have the two bottoms he has the two tops. I'll say nothing about the staff who worked there up until now they are fantastic.

But yesterday we went in and there is a new manager. The girl who usually serves us started to swap the tops but was stopped. The manager insists that if we want two bottoms and two tops then we'd each have to buy a 12" and discard the half of the bread that's wasted. No amount of pointing out that we were paying for the whole sub anyway and were just a asking that she swap the tops over would register. She was adamant that we should have been served for a 12" every sandwich before then and that we'd effectively been getting freebies for years⁶⁸⁸. Even the normal staff tried to explain. But she wouldn't have it. Her other suggestion was that we dismantle our sandwiches after purchase and do it ourselves. Again tried to explain that it doesn't work like that with autism my son won't touch the bread once it comes into contact with chicken and I certainly don't want my chicken tasting of tuna. Well we ended up leaving and travelling a town away to get the same at another subway. (No issues there, and they gave us contact details for corporate)
So I emailed the firm asking why they had managed to do it so long but now the manager couldn't. Had a lovely call follow from them and was told they'd ensure the new manager was spoken too and would serve as normal after that they'd be advised that the method she suggested of buying a 12" each isn't acceptable as it would lead to unnecessary waste and overcharging us, when we only wanted a 6" and they should in fact give me two bottoms even if I wasn't swapping with my son if I requested it, because customers have ultimate choice of bread and filling.
So today we returned hoping that this manager was at least a little apologetic or would act as if nothing had happened. Instead she almost threw our sandwiches together while berating me for wasting corporates time and that insisted that clearly I had talked corporate into getting a freebie because they only value me because they believe the customer is always right, but she disagreed with that decision and she wasn't afraid to tell me and I shouldn't expect service with a smile when I'm taking advantage of the firm. AIBU if I went back to corporate because this woman is impossible. Even her staff asked her to stop but she ignored them. She isn't much nicer with them from what I have observed and much as I don't wish to stop going there because the other staff are lovely and it's a massive break in our routine,. But I really don't wish to deal with her much more.

OP posts:
KitTea3 · 19/03/2026 01:28

She sounds like she's not a great manager or people person 😳

At the end of the day, you had some kind of long standing arrangement and they were happy and able to accommodate it. And it seems like this has only changed since she started. You've already complained and if it's within the remit of company policy and she's been reprimanded it shouldnt still be an issue. Her attitude sounds bad tbh.

My own work have a policy that we can't make sandwiches during the busiest period of the day. We don't have the staff spare and have to serve customers. . And it's company policy not to do so. But that's always been explained. I did once have a customer ask me to make one and add on extra ingredients. Unfortunately as we are not subway we can only, due to allergen etc and all the costing and make up guides, remove ingredients and not add them. One woman was insistent that I was in the wrong and that "other shops do it". I tried to politely explain it was company policy and tried to offer an alternative. She still wasnt happy.

Luckily for me my area manager was actually visiting that day so when she asked to speak to management I brought in the area manager. Who also tried her best to explain what the policy was..and then she kicked off even more and said other shops do it so we should to. At which point my area manager asked which shops were doing that and told her she'd make sure the training and staff were up to date.

Sorry waffled a bit there (my meds have worn off 🫠🙃)

But back on topic I don't think you'd be in the wrong or unreasonable to put in another complaint

ItsGooodToTalk · 19/03/2026 01:29

Not only is she an idiot, but her behaviour is incredibly unprofessional, so a complaint here is more than justified.

SummerFrog2026 · 19/03/2026 01:38

FruitFlyPie · 18/03/2026 23:56

She sounds horrible but would you want to go back to that store? I wouldn't. Life's too short, just go to another store.

Well she does because it's convenient & she likes the other staff, just not this new twst.

@StressedOutButProudMama

ignore the rude posters.

definitely reply to the email that was sent to you & tell them whst happened today. Not only for you, but also for the poor staff who are having to tolerate this stupid & rude woman!

HumbleStumble · 19/03/2026 02:38

6 or 12 inch subs at a well known firm for making sandwiches who have another branch called Subway... I think I have an inkling of where you went OP

canisquaeso · 19/03/2026 03:42

Why is she going to bat for a company that probably pays her nearly fuck all

Everything about this story is annoying

Zanatdy · 19/03/2026 04:43

Yes, they should know, terrible way to speak to you.

JMSA · 19/03/2026 04:51

sugarshales · 16/03/2026 20:23

All this over a sub.

Totally 🙄
Oh, to have all that time on my hands!

OntheOtherFlipper · 19/03/2026 04:57

JMSA · 19/03/2026 04:51

Totally 🙄
Oh, to have all that time on my hands!

Well, you could save some precious time by not commenting on posts like these 😊

OntheOtherFlipper · 19/03/2026 04:57

Definitely sub-standard service, OP 😀

Figcherry · 19/03/2026 05:01

JMSA · 19/03/2026 04:51

Totally 🙄
Oh, to have all that time on my hands!

It's about poor customer service.
Perhaps you should check your privilege, a sub may be the only affordable treat for some families.

youalright · 19/03/2026 05:12

Wow im normally the first to stick up for the worker over the customer but she is being ridiculous. Absolutely complain again.

naemates · 19/03/2026 05:13

You should be paying for 2x 6” not a 12” but def not 2x 12”

strawberryandtomato · 19/03/2026 05:27

Subway is a franchise isn’t it? Who owns that particular store? Can you speak to them. She will probably be fired soon with that attitude

OneNewLeader · 19/03/2026 05:51

You’ve got what you wanted. Give it a couple more visits and see how it goes. I admire anyone who can eat a 12’ sub, so should the manager.

Mithral · 19/03/2026 06:06

OneNewLeader · 19/03/2026 05:51

You’ve got what you wanted. Give it a couple more visits and see how it goes. I admire anyone who can eat a 12’ sub, so should the manager.

OP isn't eating a 12" (never mind a 12') sub - her and her son are having half the roll each.

Is it possible the weird manager has bought the place? They're all franchises I think. Still being a total dick but that might explain why she's so annoyed at being told what to do by corporate.

Soontobe60 · 19/03/2026 06:44

Subway shops on the UK are franchises so who precisely did you complain to?

SardinesOnButteredToast · 19/03/2026 06:57

OntheOtherFlipper · 19/03/2026 04:57

Well, you could save some precious time by not commenting on posts like these 😊

GrinGrinGrin

AnAppleAWeek · 19/03/2026 07:20

Not only is she thick but she is unprofessional. I’d keep complaining until she either gets sacked or someone can explain to her why she is wrong.

Can you recorded her? Sending it to head office, or posting online might get rid of her attitude.

AnAppleAWeek · 19/03/2026 07:21

Soontobe60 · 19/03/2026 06:44

Subway shops on the UK are franchises so who precisely did you complain to?

You don’t understand how a franchise works do you?

EvangelineTheNightStar · 19/03/2026 07:25

AnAppleAWeek · 19/03/2026 07:20

Not only is she thick but she is unprofessional. I’d keep complaining until she either gets sacked or someone can explain to her why she is wrong.

Can you recorded her? Sending it to head office, or posting online might get rid of her attitude.

She’s probably has some edict from management that there a NO changes ever to the process! But of course management fold as soon as any bad press or “sad face social media posts”.
you’d honestly secretly record someone not making a sandwich of choice and post it online?!
hoping she gets fired? That’s some vitriol!

Crofthead · 19/03/2026 07:25

Soontobe60 · 19/03/2026 06:44

Subway shops on the UK are franchises so who precisely did you complain to?

You mixing up independent business owners with franchises? It’s still one brand !

WhatAMarvelousTune · 19/03/2026 07:29

Soontobe60 · 19/03/2026 06:44

Subway shops on the UK are franchises so who precisely did you complain to?

What do you mean? Of course you can complain to the main company about franchises - they have a vested interest in the performance of the people using their brand. You don’t just get a franchise and then run it how you like, and Subway can do nothing even if you are awful and affect the overall subway reputation for anyone who goes.

Frangle · 19/03/2026 07:35

strawberryandtomato · 19/03/2026 05:27

Subway is a franchise isn’t it? Who owns that particular store? Can you speak to them. She will probably be fired soon with that attitude

That's what I was thinking. I'd ask head office to make sure the owner is aware. I'd also make sure they know how lovely the other staff are, they could probably do with a boost, having to work with her!

AnAppleAWeek · 19/03/2026 07:56

EvangelineTheNightStar · 19/03/2026 07:25

She’s probably has some edict from management that there a NO changes ever to the process! But of course management fold as soon as any bad press or “sad face social media posts”.
you’d honestly secretly record someone not making a sandwich of choice and post it online?!
hoping she gets fired? That’s some vitriol!

You don’t seem to have comprehended what the OP has said in her posts.

Needtosoundoffandbreathe · 19/03/2026 08:01

Tbh she sounds like an idiot. If I were a staff member I'd be demonstrating that a whole 12" sub was being used for the two sandwiches. As is to be expected. Somehow she doesn't understand, but instead of just doing as she was asked she's taken taken a ridiculous, entrenched position. She probably won't last long if that's how she deals with customers.

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