Subway’s U.S. store count declined for a 10th straight year in 2025 as the brand continues to rightsize its footprint.
The sandwich giant shuttered a net of 729 restaurants in 2025, ending with 18,773 units nationwide. All of Subway’s units are franchised.
It reached a peak of more than 27,000 stores in 2015. However, between 2016 and 2025, the chain closed a net of 8,345 restaurants—that figure alone would rank among the top five biggest chains in America.
Here’s a look at how much the brand has shrunk over the years:
| Year | Drop in Unit Count |
| 2016 | -357 |
| 2017 | -866 |
| 2018 | -1,108 |
| 2019 | -996 |
| 2020 | -1,601 |
| 2021 | -1,043 |
| 2022 | -571 |
| 2023 | -443 |
| 2024 | -631 |
| 2025 | -729 |
Subway remains the largest chain in the U.S. in terms of store count. In second place is Starbucks, which ended its fiscal 2025 with 16,860 shops. McDonald’s is next with 13,706 restaurants.
According to its FDD, the brand expects to open 100 U.S. franchised units in 2026. These documents don’t disclose how many units are expected to close, although the amount is likely to be in the hundreds once again.
Subway is hoping to entice U.S. customers with a new value platform. The menu features 15 items, all priced under $5.
“In the U.S., Subway is focused on ensuring restaurants are in the right locations with the real estate, visibility and operations that set franchisees up to succeed long-term,” Subway said in an emailed statement. “That work is paying off. Operational improvements are showing up across the system, with restaurant evaluation scores and Google review scores both climbing to their highest levels in two years.”
Subway appears to be faring better internationally. The brand debuted more than 1,000 new units worldwide in 2025. As for upcoming years, the pipeline is backed by more than 30 master franchise agreements, representing over 12,000 future units. Subway signed six international master franchise agreements last year across 10 countries (Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Dominican Republic, and South Korea), and two more in 2026 (Panama and Taiwan).
Subway has more than 35,000 locations worldwide, according to a recent press release.
The chain noted that its third-party delivery business is accelerating and driving growth for franchisees. The company is also leveraging new, lower-cost remodels that refresh restaurants with a modern look and build upon its Fresh Forward image work.
“Looking ahead, Subway is building on its momentum with new retail and beverage partnerships, menu innovation, and ongoing investment in the guest experience, giving guests more reasons to choose Subway and franchisees more ways to grow,” the chain said.
Subway, founded in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck, was family-owned up until 2024, when it was purchased by private equity firm Roark Capital for a reported $9.6 billion.
In July, the chain announced Jonathan Fitzpatrick as its new CEO. The industry veteran once held senior leadership positions at Burger King.
