National Sandwich Day is getting an early start this year, and Subway is using the occasion to bring back a fan favorite.

The chain has moved its celebration up to Tuesday, Oct. 27, a full week ahead of the usual Nov. 3 date.

That date also happens to be midterm Election Day, and Subway says it did not want sandwiches to become an afterthought.

For Antelope Valley sandwich fans, the headline is the return of the Fritos Chicken Enchilada Sub.

The sandwich was last offered in 2014, and the company says fans and franchisees have been asking for it.

It is built on rotisserie-style chicken marinated in enchilada sauce.

Crisp Fritos corn chips and smoky Baja Chipotle sauce go on top, along with Monterey Cheddar, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes and red onions.

Subway's culinary team describes the flavor as a mix of depth from the enchilada sauce, a little heat from the chipotle and signature crunch from the chips.

A seasonal dessert joins the lineup as well.

The Caramel Apple Cookie returns for a limited time after last appearing in 2021.

It features apple pieces, caramel chips and salted caramel crunch, finished with a caramel icing drizzle.

The bigger news for budget-minded diners is the deal.

Sub Club members, both current and new, can get a free Footlong with the purchase of another Footlong from Oct. 27 through Nov. 8.

The offer is limited to orders placed in the Subway app or online.

It is added automatically to members' wallets in the app, so there is no code to hunt down.

Joining Sub Club is done through the app or the company's website.

As always, the fine print matters.

The free Footlong must be of equal or lesser price than the one you buy, and add-ons cost extra.

Tax applies, the deal is limited to one use per order, and it cannot be combined with other offers.

Fresh Fit subs, the 5 Meat Italian and the Big Hot Pastrami are excluded.

Sub Club also does not apply to third-party delivery, catering or gift card purchases.

Subway restaurants are independently owned franchises, and the offers are valid only at participating U.S. locations.

That makes it smart to check the app for the nearest participating Antelope Valley shop before you plan a group order.

Anyone who prefers to celebrate on the traditional date is covered too.

The company says both returning menu items and the BOGO offer will still be available on Nov. 3.

The promotion builds on a new brand campaign called Feed Your SUBconscious, which launched in September and features actor and comedian Will Arnett.

A few practical tips can help you get the most from the week.

Order through the app so the BOGO applies, and compare the two sandwiches you choose, since the free one has to match or cost less than the first.

Families can split the pair, and coworkers can easily turn one order into lunch for two.

If you have never tried the sandwich, remember that limited-time items often sell out of ingredients late in the promotion.

Ordering early in the window gives you the best shot at the full lineup.

Illustrative photo by Ahmad No More on Pexels, not an image of the promotional sandwich.