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1.12 You’re a Guest

Policy Statement

As a valued Team Member, you are also welcome to enjoy SUBWAY® as a guest during your personal time. Supporting our restaurants strengthens the business, enhances your understanding of the guest experience, and contributes to the success of THE COMPANY.

When visiting any SUBWAY® location operated by THE COMPANY, you are considered a guest first, but you also remain a representative of THE COMPANY and the SUBWAY® brand. To protect your safety, ensure operational integrity, and maintain a professional environment, the following expectations apply.


Uniform Appearance While Off Duty

Off-duty Team Members may not wear any part of the SUBWAY® uniform—including shirts, hats, visors, aprons, name tags, or branded accessories—while visiting as a guest.

This prevents confusion for other guests and ensures it is clear who is on duty and who is not.

 

No Work Duties While Off Duty

Off-duty Team Members may not perform any work-related tasks while visiting as a guest, including but not limited to:

  • Assisting guests
  • Handling food or touching equipment
  • Cleaning, restocking, or organizing
  • Performing cash-handling or POS functions
  • Speaking with vendors or inspectors

If a genuine emergency occurs, the Manager on Duty will handle it.

If THE COMPANY requests off-duty assistance, you must:

  • Receive explicit approval from the Director of Operations, and
  • Properly clock in for the time worked

 

Access Restricted to Public Guest Areas

While off duty, Team Members may only enter:

  • The dining room
  • The ordering line (as a guest)
  • The restrooms

Unless specifically authorized by a Manager, District Manager, Director of Operations, or Owner, off-duty Team Members may not enter:

  • Behind the counter
  • Food-preparation areas
  • Dish or storage areas
  • Walk-in cooler/freezer
  • Manager’s office
  • Back door or employee entrance

This protects food safety, inventory, security, and OSHA compliance.

 

Purchases & Discounts

While visiting as a guest:

  • Off-duty Team Members must pay full price for food or beverages.
  • Employee meal programs or discounts apply only while on duty and only during authorized break periods.
  • Sharing, giving away, or improperly applying discounts is strictly prohibited.

 

Conduct as a Guest

Although you are off duty, you still represent THE COMPANY and the SUBWAY® brand. While visiting as a guest, you are expected to demonstrate:

  • Courtesy
  • Professionalism
  • Respectful behavior
  • Clean language and appropriate conduct
  • Patience with Team Members working their shift

Off-duty Team Members must not:

  • Interrupt employees during active service
  • Criticize or coach Team Members while they work
  • Attempt to direct or manage the shift
  • Interfere with guest service or operations
  • Engage in loud, disruptive, or unprofessional behavior

Any safety, sanitation, or service concerns should be brought directly to the Manager on Duty or reported afterward to the Director of Operations.

 

No Off-Duty Loitering

Off-duty Team Members may not remain on the premises for extended periods, socialize excessively, or use the restaurant as a personal gathering place.

Team Members visiting as guests should dine like any other customer and depart once their meal is finished.

 

Policy Enforcement

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, especially when conduct:

  • Creates confusion for guests
  • Interferes with operations
  • Violates food safety or security protocols
  • Misuses access to non-public areas
  • Violates discount or payment rules
  • Disrespects Team Members or guests
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