Subway’s has fewer than 20,000 locations in the US for the first time in 20 years.
The popular sandwich chain shut 631 underperforming restaurants last year, bringing the total to 19,502, according to franchise filings.
It marks the eighth straight year Subway has shuttered restaurants in its home country. It peaked at around 27,000 stores in 2015.
Despite the decline, Subway still holds the title of America’s largest restaurant chain by location count.
The company has faced mounting competition, changing customer tastes, and lower average sales per store compared to rivals—all contributing to its steady pullback.
Multiple franchisees have also filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, and the chain abruptly closed 23 locations across two states after a bank hacking nightmare.
The 200 workers were left ‘totally blindsided’ by the 23 store closures and were left jobless.
Subway said its ‘opening new restaurants as well as relocating or closing locations as needed, to ensure a consistent, high-quality and convenient guest experience.’
Subway closed approximately 631 locations in the US last year, making the nation’s store count be 19,502
Subway has struggled financially for several years and was acquired by Roark Capital Group in 2023.
The Subway heirs agreed to sell the chain to Roark Capital for $9.6 billion following months of acquisition rumors.
The move did not improve the chain’s sales in the US, but it continues to be successful in its international expansion.
It continues to operate over 37,000 restaurants worldwide and is America’s largest sandwich chain.
It’s also the third-largest restaurant chain in the world, behind McDonald’s and Starbucks.
‘Subway achieved positive global net restaurant growth for the second consecutive year,’ a Subway spokesperson said in a statement to QSR magazine.
The chain is also focusing on ‘Smart Growth,’ a development strategy focusing on increasing its profits and protecting its marketing position.
Some of the plans in this strategy include opening new restaurants and relocating stores to ensure a ‘consistent, high-quality and convenient guest experience.’
Subway held the top sandwich sponsorship with the NFL from 2020 through the 2024 season
Subway is continuing to revamp its stores to fit its Fresh Forward 2.0 design.
The design includes new elements like bold wall graphics with messages, elevated lighting, and support for the growth in digital innovations.
‘Fresh Forward 2.0’ will be implemented in all Subway restaurants worldwide in the coming months.
Besides financial and design restructuring, Subway made headlines for switching over to Pepsi from Coca-Cola beverages.
Fans were outraged by the decision, which the restaurant chain confirmed would happen last year.
Subway was also replaced by fellow sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s as the official fast food sponsor of the NFL.
Other talked about changes Subway made over the last few months including offering the new limited-time Doritos Footlong Nachos and will relaunch its $6.99 any footlong deal tomorrow until May 31.
Daily Mail has reached out to Subway for comment regarding the store closures.
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America’s largest sandwich chain quietly shutters 631 locations