How Much Does It Cost to Build a Restaurant App Like Subway

TLDR

Every restaurant wants loyal customers. But loyalty in 2025 starts on the screen, not just at the table. Fast-growing restaurants are looking for ways to give guests the speed, control, and rewards they’re used to with national chains. This is why so many owners and operators are asking the same question: How much does it cost to build an app like Subway’s?

Subway, the well-known American fast food chain famous for its build-your-own sandwiches, has built a mobile app that truly delivers. With over 1.1 million ratings on the App Store, its app has become a go-to digital platform for customers who want a fast, personalized experience. It’s simple and smart, which is why smaller restaurants are looking to recreate that success.

It’s not about having the flashiest technology. It’s about giving guests the convenience they expect. A restaurant app helps streamline operations, reduce missed orders, and build repeat business. But the development costs of building an app like Subway’s can feel overwhelming to independent restaurants and smaller brands.

This blog breaks it all down in a clear, practical way. It highlights the specific features that make the Subway app so effective, uncovers the real costs of developing something similar, and explores a better option for restaurants that want enterprise-grade features without the enterprise price. If you're planning to grow your customer base and modernize the way guests order, this guide will help you make a smarter decision.

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What Makes Subway’s App Work So Well?

Subway has crafted an app that isn’t just about placing an order. It’s designed to simplify the dining experience, encourage return visits, and make every interaction feel personalized.

Flexible Ordering Options

Subway’s app allows guests to choose how they want to order and receive their food. Options include ordering ahead for in-store pickup, choosing curbside handoff, or requesting delivery. The process is simple, clean, and reduces the need for staff to manage complicated orders during a rush.

Loyalty Points That Build Repeat Visits

The app includes Subway's MVP Rewards, which lets users collect points with every purchase. These points lead to discounts and offers, keeping customers engaged and giving them a reason to choose Subway again next time.

Personalized Ordering Features

Subway’s app allows customers to save their favorite meals, customizations, and special preferences directly in their profile. This means returning users don’t have to rebuild their orders every time they open the app, which saves time and increases satisfaction. The more often someone reorders the same meal, the faster that process becomes.

Exclusive App Offers

Another reason the sandwich shop's app drives so much engagement is the steady stream of in-app-only deals and limited-time offers. These promotions create a reason to download and return to the app regularly, especially for price-conscious diners. Instead of generic discounts, users feel rewarded for staying connected through the app. This kind of exclusive value builds retention and makes the app part of their routine ordering behavior.

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How Much Does It Cost to Build an App Like Subway’s?

The cost of developing a restaurant app depends entirely on the complexity and functionality you want. Based on data from development firms, here are the most realistic budget ranges:

A basic app with core features (order ahead, payment, pickup) starts at $20,000
A mid-level app with loyalty programs, customizations, and delivery integration can cost $50,000 to $80,000
A full-featured app with advanced personalization, third-party integrations, rewards, and design enhancements can reach $150,000 or more

These numbers are driven by several development factors:

Features and Depth

Apps that include personalized menus, order modifiers, push notifications, and loyalty systems require more backend logic and frontend design. Each layer adds to the total project scope.

iOS and Android Support

Supporting both platforms means building for two different systems or using a cross-platform framework like React Native. Either way, this increases the development hours.

Third-Party Integration

Connecting the app to systems like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Stripe payment gateways requires secure integration work, which adds complexity and cost.

Maintenance and Upgrades

Building the app is only the beginning. Regular updates, new features, and security patches require ongoing investment from either your team or your developer partner.

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A Realistic Alternative: Per Diem White-Label App for Restaurants

For independent restaurants that want a branded app with powerful features, Per Diem offers a white-label solution that removes the heavy cost burden. Instead of building an app from the ground up, restaurants can launch their own mobile platform using Per Diem’s ready-to-use infrastructure. It’s simple to set up, quick to roll out, and designed for everyday operators, not tech teams.

Per Diem supports ordering for pickup, curbside, and delivery, all within a fully branded experience. It also integrates with major third-party delivery services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. That means your restaurant can keep its customers in one unified system while still benefiting from external delivery logistics. The user never feels like they’re switching platforms; everything happens smoothly inside the app.

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Customization, Loyalty, and the Features Your Customers Expect

Let’s talk about meal customization first. Per Diem makes it easy for guests to change ingredients, add modifiers, and build meals exactly how they want them. They can also save their favorites, so the next time they order, it takes just a few taps. This kind of personalization gives them a faster and more enjoyable experience.

Now let’s move to loyalty. The app connects directly with Square Loyalty, so every order earns points without any manual tracking. If you want to offer your own exclusive in-app rewards like streaks or referrals, that’s possible too. You can set up time-limited discounts, birthday perks, or custom incentives that match your brand’s voice. These features help restaurants stay competitive and build lasting relationships with their regulars.

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A Simple Subscription Instead of a Large Development Bill

Launching a custom-built app typically costs tens of thousands of dollars, but Per Diem replaces that investment with a flat, monthly subscription. There are no upfront development costs and no hidden service fees. Restaurants can choose between three subscription tiers depending on their needs.

The core plan is priced at $99 per month, which includes essential features like online ordering, delivery options, push notifications, menu customization, and loyalty integration. The $199 per month plan adds advanced functionality and more customization for growing businesses. All tiers include regular updates and technical support from the team to keep the app running smoothly. With this model, restaurants stay in control of their budget while offering the type of digital experience guests already expect.

Calculate your monthly ROI with Per Diem before even getting started.

Final Thoughts

Subway’s app delivers the convenience and personalization that customers look for in every order. Features like saved preferences, loyalty rewards, and flexible pickup and delivery options make it a powerful tool for engagement. But building a similar app from scratch requires a level of investment that most independent restaurants simply cannot justify.

Per Diem solves that problem with a ready-to-launch, branded mobile app that is both powerful and affordable. Restaurants can provide a seamless experience with modern features and ongoing support, all without the time and cost of custom development. Whether you are running one location or managing several, this is a practical way to stay competitive and meet your customers where they already are, on their phones.

The technology is ready. The pricing is clear. And the opportunity to upgrade your guest experience has never been more accessible.

Ready to Launch Your Own Branded Restaurant App?

If you're looking to offer your guests the same mobile experience they expect from Subway, without the massive cost or development delays, Per Diem makes it possible. Your branded app can be live, integrated, and ready for orders within 24 hours.