Penn Station rebrands, updates menu as franchise expansion accelerates

Fast-casual sandwich chain Penn Station East Coast Subshas rebranded as Penn Station Sandwiches as part of a broader growth strategy focused on franchise expansion and operational consistency.

The Cincinnati-based company said it has begun a gradual rollout of a new logo and brand identity, while prioritizing development with established franchise partners in high-performing markets. The company added that some locations could close, even as systemwide performance improves.

"Strategic decisions around development and transitions allow us to protect the integrity of the brand while creating stronger opportunities for franchisees and ensuring consistency for our guests nationwide," Don Champion, senior vice president of franchise sales and development, said in a press release.

Penn Station also revamped its menu, adding sliced 9-grain bread sandwiches to its traditional sub offerings. The chain said any sandwich or sub can now be ordered as a bowl served over lettuce. Other additions include smaller chocolate-chip cookie portions and Kids Meals featuring a small sub or half-size 9-grain sandwich, cookie bites and a kid-size serving of fries.

"This next chapter reflects how people are eating today — whether it's a quick workday lunch, dinner with friends, weekend meals with family or catering for casual gatherings," President Lance Vaught said in a press release.

Penn Station operates more than 300 locations across Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Pennsylvania, and is expanding into Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina.