As part of Subway’s transformation journey to improve across all aspects of its business, the brand has spent the past two years optimizing its footprint, using a strategic, data-driven approach to ensure restaurants across the system are in the right location, image, and format, and are operated by growing franchisees who have the resources and passion to be part of the brand’s transformation journey.
In 2023, Subway launched its smart growth development strategy to boost franchisee profitability and reaffirm the brand’s position in the market. This involves strategically opening new locations, continuing to modernize its image through remodels and relocations, and attracting new and existing multi-unit owners to grow with the brand.
This year, Subway is working towards its goal to increase new openings across North America and recently celebrated the completion of over 10,000 remodels. The brand is also continuing to consolidate and transfer restaurant packages to new and existing multi-unit franchisees and has announced several new multi-unit owner agreements.
SERVES: 1.5 billion global guests annually
SMART GROWTH: Boost franchisee profitability and open new restaurants
MODERNIZED REMODELS: More than 10,000
As a results of the brand’s efforts, during the first half of 2023, Subway broke brand records as it achieved its highest average unit volume (AUV) in North America for three consecutive months and, within that time, its highest weekly AUV in the company’s recorded history. For the first half of 2023, Subway saw positive traffic across North America and significant growth in global restaurant same-store sales. Positive sales momentum continues to be driven by menu innovation, modernization of restaurants and ongoing improvements to the overall guest experience, including digital.
Internationally, the brand continues to partner with strong, well-established operators with specific expertise in a market to strategically expand its footprint around the world. Between August 2021 and August 2023, Subway has signed 15 master franchise agreements or country development agreements across Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia Pacific, totaling more than 9,000 future restaurant commitments.
Learn more at subwayfranchise.com.
