Subway restaurant chain president and co-founder Fred DeLuca received top honors at IFA’s 45th Annual Convention in Hollywood, Florida, when he was inducted into the organization’s Hall of Fame. The IFA, which has members that operate in more than 75 industries and 100 countries, is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing the franchising industry. “I share this honor with our franchisees around the world,” says DeLuca. “Subway’s success is truly a team effort. It really goes to show that
anything can be accomplished when a great team works together.”
DeLuca’s success story began 40 years ago. As an enterprising 17-year-old, DeLuca sought advice from family friend, Dr. Peter Buck on how he could earn enough money to pay for college tuition. Dr. Buck suggested they open a submarine sandwich shop. On Aug. 28, 1965, “Pete’s Super Submarines”
opened for business in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
In 1974, the pair decided to begin
franchising the concept. Today, the Subway chain has more than 22,800 locations in 81 countries.
Pursuing a hands-on management, marketing, and growth philosophy, it’s not unusual for DeLuca to visit Subway restaurants throughout the globe, talking to franchisees and employees about restaurant operations, food quality, standards, and customer service.
DeLuca is the co-author of the book “Start Small, Finish Big” which offers inspirational and motivational examples of fellow entrepreneurs who have harnessed their vision, ideas, resources, and the will to excel. In 1998, he established the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation to benefit not-for-profit
organizations to give others a chance to help themselves.
