HISTORY

The story begins in Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA during the summer of 1965. Fred DeLuca, an ambitious 17-year-old high school graduate, was looking for a way to make enough money to pay for his university tuition. The solution came at a BBQ during a conversation with a family friend, Dr. Peter Buck. Dr. Buck suggested to Fred that he open a submarine sandwich shop - having seen a sandwich shop in his hometown experience huge success.

With a $1,000 loan from Dr. Buck, the partnership was formed and Pete's Super Submarines opened in August 1965. The first year was a challenge and a learning experience for the young entrepreneurs. They opened their second location a year later and quickly realised that marketing and visibility were going to be key factors in the success of the business - the third outlet was in a highly visible location and it's still serving sandwiches today. The name was shortened from Pete's Super Submarines to SUBWAY® and the familiar bright yellow logo was introduced.

The next step was to formulate a business plan that outlined the SUBWAY® chain's goals. In an effort to reach those goals, SUBWAY® outlets began franchising, giving others the opportunity to succeed in their own business venture. The first SUBWAY® franchise opened in Connecticut in 1974.
 

UK and Ireland History

  • In 1996, the first SUBWAY store opens in Brighton by Murray and Maria Speirs
     
  • Fred DeLuca attended his first media tour of the UK in 2001 when SUBWAY® reached the 50 store mark. At this point he announced the goal of over 2,000 stores by 2010
     
  • In 2002, SUBWAY® opens its 100th store in the UK and Ireland
     
  • At the end of 2003, there were 200 stores in the UK and Ireland
  • In July 2003 the SUBWAY® chain became the largest specialist sandwich chain in the UK and Ireland, according to a report by Mintel
     
  • By mid 2004, there were 300 stores
     
  • By the end of 2004, there were 350 stores
     
  • By February 2005, there were 400 stores
     
  • In May 2005 Jared Fogle visited the market and embarked upon a week-long media tour of the UK and Ireland
     
  • By mid 2005, the SUBWAY® chain hit the 500th store mark with the opening of a store at Bristol International Airport
     
  • In 2006, the 600th store opened in Huntingdon, home town of the Earl of Sandwich
     
  • In August 2006, the SUBWAY® chain announced that it had more stores open in the UK and Ireland than Burger King, KFC and Pizza Hut
     
  • In January 2007, the SUBWAY® chain was awarded the coveted Number 1 franchise opportunity spot in Entrepreneur magazine's annual "Franchise 500" rankings - the 15th time it has won the award in the past 19 years
     
  • SUBWAY® supports the Department of Health's 5 A DAY programme - by choosing all the salad ingredients for your Sub you get one of the five servings of fruit and veg recommended by the Department of Health
     
  • In January 2008, the SUBWAY® chain was recognised as the Number One Global Franchise opportunity by Entrepreneur Magazine
     
  • As of July 2008, the SUBWAY® chain now has over 1,250 stores open in the UK and Ireland and continues to expand at a phenomenal rate, with an average of six stores opening in the UK and Ireland every week