The Food That Built America Season 3 Episode 1 Submarine Warfare

The Food That Built America is back with its third season, and its first episode named Submarine Warfare covers the story of the rise of a new type of sandwich that created a billion-dollar industry. The episode opens with the backdrop of World War II when Hitler's U-boats were wreaking havoc on the seas, endangering supply lines of nations around the globe. The US was not spared from the wrath of the German submarines as they attacked and sank several American merchant ships, creating a shortage of essential food items like meat and vegetables.

The episode then pivots to the story of the submarine sandwich, which started as a quick meal option for the shipyard workers in the coastal towns of New England. The sandwich's key ingredient was the cylindrical-shaped Italian bread, which could be easily stuffed with meats and vegetables, making it a filling and convenient meal option. Due to the war, a large number of Italian immigrants were working in the shipyards, and they introduced their culinary expertise in making bread and salami. The sandwich quickly gained popularity among the workers, and its fame soon spread beyond the shipyards.

Enter Fred DeLuca, a 17-year-old high school graduate working at a hardware store, who wanted to go to college but didn't have the funds to pay for it. One day, he got an idea to start a business selling sandwiches. He approached Dr. Peter Buck, a local physician, for a loan of $1000, which he used to start a small sandwich shop called Pete's Super Submarines in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The name was later shortened to Subway, and it would go on to become one of the largest fast-food chains in the world.

The episode then dives into the challenges that Fred and Peter faced in expanding their business. They had to compete with established sandwich shops and convince customers to try their unique submarine sandwich, which many found strange and unappealing. The episode also features interviews with Subway's early employees who talk about their experience working for the company during its early days.

But Subway's success was not just due to its tasty sandwiches. The company embraced a franchise model that allowed entrepreneurs to open their own Subway outlets and tap into the company's brand recognition and supply chain. The franchise model was a game-changer for the fast-food industry, and many other chains, including McDonald's, would adopt it later.

The episode also touches upon some of the controversies that Subway faced in recent years, including the scandal involving its former spokesman Jared Fogle, who was sentenced to prison for child pornography and underage sex crimes. The episode interviews food historians and business experts who offer insights into how scandals can affect a company's reputation and sales.

Overall, Submarine Warfare is a captivating episode that tells the story of how a modest sandwich that originated in New England shipyards became a billion-dollar industry. The episode weaves together historical footage, interviews with experts and employees, and narration to create a compelling narrative that keeps the viewers engaged till the end. It's an excellent start to the third season of The Food That Built America and makes us eager to see what other stories of food innovation and entrepreneurship the show has in store for us.