Romance Author's Use of 'Wawa Sub' Sparks Heated Debate

B.K. Borison's mention of a 'sub from Wawa' in her new book sets off a regional sandwich terminology controversy.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:09pm

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An abstract close-up image of crumpled, shiny silver foil wrappers, capturing the luxurious texture and dramatic lighting of a high-fashion editorial photograph, conceptually representing the cultural significance of a beloved regional sandwich.The regional debate over sandwich terminology highlights the passionate loyalty consumers have for their local food brands.Folsom Today

Popular romance author B.K. Borison's latest book, 'And Now, Back to You,' includes a reference to a character eating a 'sub from Wawa.' This sparked a heated debate online, as Wawa is known for calling its sandwiches 'hoagies,' not 'subs.' Borison defended her use of the term, noting that it's common in Baltimore, where the book is set. Wawa even sent Borison a care package in response, joking that they would change their menu item name to 'sub' for April Fools' Day.

Why it matters

The debate highlights the regional differences in terminology for similar types of sandwiches across the United States. While 'sub' is a common term in some areas, 'hoagie' is the preferred name in Wawa's home region of Pennsylvania. These linguistic nuances can be a source of contention, especially when an author uses a term that doesn't align with a brand's established identity.

The details

In chapter 29 of 'And Now, Back to You,' Borison's character Jackson is described as 'eating a sub from Wawa.' This sparked a flurry of online discussion, with readers pointing out that Wawa refers to its sandwiches as 'hoagies,' not 'subs.' Borison defended her choice, noting that 'sub' is the common term in Baltimore, where the book is set. Wawa responded by sending Borison a care package filled with 'hoagie'-branded items, and even joked about changing their menu item name to 'sub' for April Fools' Day.

  • Borison's book 'And Now, Back to You' was published right before Valentine's Day 2026.
  • The online debate about the 'sub from Wawa' reference erupted shortly after the book's release.

The players

B.K. Borison

A popular romance author whose latest book, 'And Now, Back to You,' sparked a debate over her use of the term 'sub' to refer to a Wawa sandwich.

Wawa

A Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain that is known for its 'hoagie' sandwiches, and responded to the debate by sending Borison a care package and joking about changing the name to 'sub' for April Fools' Day.

Samantha Tan

A reader of Borison's books who brought the 'sub from Wawa' debate to light on social media, sparking a wider discussion.

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What they’re saying

“the phrase 'a sub from wawa' in the book I'm reading (and absolutely loving) might just haunt me. A SUB?????? FROM WAWA??????????”

— Samantha Tan, Reader

“I don't know, my algorithm must have just brought this to me, I wasn't tagged in it or anything. I just knew in my heart it was about me.”

— B.K. Borison, Author

“Next sub is on us”

— Wawa

What’s next

Wawa has joked that it will change the name of its signature menu item to 'sub' for April Fools' Day, continuing the playful back-and-forth with Borison over regional sandwich terminology.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the regional differences in how similar types of sandwiches are referred to across the United States. While 'sub' may be the common term in some areas, brands like Wawa have built their identity around using different regional terminology, leading to potential confusion and controversy when authors use the 'wrong' term.