Subway

Subway is an American quick-service restaurant chain based in Milford, Conn., and specializing in sub sandwiches. Subway has more than 40,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and is 100% franchised. In 2022, some corporate functions will relocate to Miami. 

Subway was founded by Dr. Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1965 as Pete’s Super Submarines. In 1966, the partners formed parent company Doctor’s Associates Inc. The fast food restaurant was renamed to Subway in 1968, began franchising in 1974 and expanded overseas in 1984 with a store in Bahrain. 

Subway is known for its submarine sandwiches — including warm toasted subs — but the Subway menu also includes salads, wraps and protein bowls. One of the most well-known menu items is the Italian B.M.T. — Big Meaty Tasty — with salami, pepperoni and ham. Subway has offered nutrition information for its menu items since 1997.

Customers can order online through the Subway app and website at about 11,000 restaurants. 

In recent years, Subway has been known for its marketing campaign around the “$5 footlong,” which it first promoted in 2008 and brought back for a limited time in 2020. Also in 2020, Subway became the National Football League’s official sandwich sponsor, debuting TV ads with coach Bill Belichick and NFL star brothers J.J., T.J. and Derek Watt. 

Key data: Subway

Headquarters: Milford, Conn.
Segment: Quick service
Restaurant segment: LSR sandwich/deli
Number of U.S. locations: 22,177
2020 sales: $9.17 billion
Annual growth
Source: Datassential Firefly 500
CEO: John Chidsey
Parent company: Doctor’s Associates Inc.