- Last Year Rank: 7
- Investment Range: $238,625 - $536,745
- Initial Investment: $15,000
- Category: Restaurant
Company Description
Subway is one of the largest franchises in the world in terms of unit count. Though the sub sandwich chain discontinued its famous “Five Dollar Footlong” deal, it continues to offer special deals on its customizable subs. The company brought back its Fresh Fit menu in September 2025.
Founded by Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965, Subway has units in more than 100 countries. The company was sold in 2024 to Roark Capital, the massive private equity firm that also owns Inspire Brands (Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John’s, Sonic, Dunkin’ and others) and GoTo Foods (Cinnabon, Jamba, Auntie Anne’s and others).
The company named Jonathan Fitzpatrick as CEO in July 2025.
Company Statistics
- Global Sales: $17,000,000,000*
- US Units: 19,502
- International Units: 17,000
- Total Units: 36,502
- Percent Franchised: 100%
- % International Units: 47%
- US Franchised Units: 19,502
- International Franchised Units: 17,000
- Sales Growth %: -1.4%
- Unit Growth %: -1.7%
*Franchise Times Estimate
