Sen. Elizabeth Warren wants federal regulators to pursue a crackdown on Big Sandwich, complaining that the financiers behind the Jimmy John’s restaurant must not be allowed to acquire Subway.
The Massachusetts Democrat is cheering reports saying the regulatory agency has Roark Capital in its crosshairs over concerns the investment firm may be engaged in a dangerous plot to take over America’s lunch menu.
“We don’t need another private equity deal that could lead to higher food prices for consumers,” Ms. Warren wrote on X. “The @FTC is right to investigate whether the purchase of @SUBWAY by the same firm that owns @jimmyjohns and @McAlistersDeli creates a sandwich shop monopoly.”
The Subway restaurant chain announced in August its acquisition by Roark Capital, which has tens of billions of dollars in assets and reportedly spent billions to score Subway. Roark affiliates own a host of well-known eateries, including Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Dunkin’ Donuts.
People still chowing on Thanksgiving leftovers in sandwiches made by themselves doubt the scourge of Big Sandwich is an existential threat to the economy.
NetChoice Vice President Carl Szabo, whose organization represents Big Tech companies, wants Ms. Warren to keep her hands off his sandwich.
Mr. Szabo implored the Federal Trade Commission and other fed officials to focus on “real crimes” such as consumer fraud and mocked Ms. Warren’s fear of a potential sandwich shop monopoly.
“Apparently she’s never heard of — or is too good for — Wawa, Potbellys, Corner Bakery or Panera,” Mr. Szabo wrote on X. “This is the type of satire you see in comedy, but unfortunately that is our government.”
Whether the government stops the Roark firm from swallowing Subway whole may hinge on whether a hamburger is a sandwich, according to the Cato Institute’s Scott Lincicome.
If hamburgers are sandwiches, Subway’s food faces competition from many more restaurants such as Burger King and McDonald’s, and the potential sandwich monopoly idea sags.
Mr. Lincicome said he never imagined a sitting U.S. senator would demand the federal government decide if hamburgers are sandwiches.
“Hot dogs, burritos, tacos, calzones too, of course. If they’re all sandwiches, then the senator has nothing to worry about,” Mr. Lincicome wrote on X.
• Ryan Lovelace can be reached at rlovelace@washingtontimes.com.