Subway's recently-introduced $6.99, 6-inch meal deal appears to be ending earlier than expected, but a new promotion for 20% off subs starts this week.

According to the chain, the deal launched Nov. 3 to celebrate National Sandwich Day. It offered customers their choice of a six-inch sub, a small fountain drink and a bag of chips or cookies.

But citing a message sent to operators on Nov. 22, Restaurant Business Online magazine reported Subway chain was ending the deal Wednesday due to "poor performance."

"The Meal Deal was designed to help drive a lift in traffic, sales and, ultimately, restaurant-level profitability, and delivered on these objectives during the market test,” the message obtained by the food news outlet said. “While the national Meal Deal promotion is delivering the expected number of daily redemptions, overall the promotion is not driving the anticipated results.”

In an emailed statement to USA TODAY Wednesday, Subway did not respond to questions about the deal's early cancellation or poor performance report, but a company spokesperson did say the chain quickly adjusts value offers when necessary.

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"Subway’s approach to value is thoughtful and strategic, leveraging data to help balance consumer needs while protecting franchisee profits," the Subway spokesperson told USA TODAY. "We continuously test new value platforms aimed at helping drive profitable traffic and encouraging repeat visits. We take feedback and data seriously, and if needed, we quickly adjust course to ensure we’re doing what’s best for our franchisees, guests and overall business."

USA TODAY also learned the $6.99 six-inch meal deal will still be available through the company’s digital channels through Dec. 26.

New 20% off deal begins

According to chain's website, starting Wednesday customers can receive 20% off any sub by using the digital code TWENTYOFF. The offer is available online or thru the app through Jan. 5.

In late October, the sandwich chain unveiled its Double Chocolate Peppermint Footlong Cookie. The cookie launched Nov. 1 and will be sold until Dec. 31, the company previously said. It is the second footlong cookie Subway has ever release and is also the chain's first holiday footlong cookie, a Subway spokesperson previously told USA TODAY.

Other fast-food restaurant chains including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy's and Taco Bell, also took part in the value meal wars this year in an effort to retain and attract customers leery of rising prices, USA TODAY previously reported.

Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Saleen Martin

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.