Well, that settles it. Wawa has the best sandwiches in the country.

According to the 2018 Market Force Information QSR Fast Casual Survey, Wawa took the top spot in the company's Sandwich Composite Loyalty Index, beating Firehouse Subs by two percentage points (64 percent versus 62 percent). Jersey Mike's, Jimmy John's and Jason's Deli rounded out the top 5.

So how did a convenience store beat out chains such as Subway, Arby's, and Panera, especially when many of the chains have locations across the country and Wawa only has stores in six states and Washington D.C.?

Market Force Information surveyed 11,500 people about their experiences in different restaurants. The stores were rated on factors such as consumer's overall satisfaction with their experience and their likelihood to recommend the brand based on that experience. The company also measures dining habits, delivery services, visit frequency, brand engagement, customer experience, and problem experience.

Maybe it was the fact the hoagies and quesadillas (Yes, I'm lumping this in because it is the Tex-Mex version of grilled cheese) are better than some other restaurants I've been too. Maybe it's the fact that I didn't have to wait 15 minutes for half a gallon of raspberry iced tea and a classic hoagie.

Whatever it is, the region has another culinary honor it can claim.

WaWa is the best place on the east coast to get a sandwich. — KJS (@StomberK) October 21, 2018

oh yeah earlier i saw an article where wawa was recognized as the best sandwich place, and i can't find it so all i have to say is:



well yeah? we've been saying that since day one. s'about time — Melly ❤️ (@MelvanaChainsII) November 10, 2018

Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips