Subway

Subway is a well-known quick-service restaurant chain specializing in submarine sandwiches and wraps. The company began in 1965 when Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck opened their first shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, originally calling it Pete’s Super Submarines. Over the decades, Subway expanded rapidly, first through franchising in the United States and then internationally, opening its first location outside the U.S. in Bahrain in 1984. One of its most notable milestones was becoming the world’s largest single-brand restaurant chain by store count in the early 2010s.

As of September 2023, Subway operated more than 37,000 restaurants across over 100 countries, maintaining a significant presence in the United States while also serving customers in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Canada. The brand’s footprint includes a wide range of locations, from traditional storefronts to non-traditional sites such as convenience stores and travel centers.

In recent years, Subway has focused on modernizing its stores and expanding its global reach. The company has invested in updated store designs, digital ordering platforms, and new formats to adapt to changing consumer habits. A major shift is set for January 2025, when Subway will transition its beverage partnership to PepsiCo. The brand’s evolution accelerated in April 2024 with its acquisition by Roark Capital Group, a firm recognized for its experience in the restaurant sector. This new ownership is expected to drive further innovation and growth.

Subway’s ongoing commitment to flexible store formats and international expansion, combined with its established scale and brand recognition, positions it as a prominent and adaptable tenant in a variety of retail environments.