Subway introduces SMS ordering

Ordering fast-food jumped from in-store to online long ago, but now sandwich chain Subway has introduced the next step – ordering lunch via SMS message. The chain has introduced its “Subway Now” service for stores in New York, allowing users to order lunch via a text message on their mobile phone. A user enters their address online to find the closest Subway shop, creates and saves favourite orders, which are then given a specific number.

To order ahead, the user texts the word “menu” to a specific Subway phone number, and a menu is sent back to the phone. They reply with the number corresponding to one of their favourites, and Subway then provides a text confirmation and pick-up time.

All orders are paid for via credit card information already put on the Subway Now site.

But while the service is now available in New York, it may be quite a while before it makes its way to Australia.