Subway® franchise

Become part of the success story

With over 2,500 locations in the UK and Ireland, and more than 43,000 stores in over 110 countries, a Subway® franchise is perfect for anyone keen to run their own business, whilst at the same time benefiting from Subway®’s finely tuned and developed franchise system.

Subway® is continuing to expand and is always looking for talented individuals to join the team and become a part of the success story. One of the key strengths behind the success of Subway® is the solid support network and robust processes in operation:

• Interactive online training courses are available through the University of Subway® for franchise owners and their staff
• Experienced Business Development Agents provide ongoing assistance and mentoring to help with site selection, leasing, operations, local store marketing and much more
• A franchisee-owned purchasing company, IPC Europe manages the purchasing and supply chain activity for all food, packaging, equipment and services in the UK, Ireland and other European countries.

In 2017, Subway® introduced a new ‘Fresh Forward’ store design, offering guests an enhanced and modern Subway® experience, with clean lines and customer focused touches, such as digital menu boards, special displays for cookies, bread baked in store daily and freshly cut vegetables.

Subway® stores can adapt to almost any size and type of location, existing or new, with minimal impact to the day-to-day operations.

Intensive training programme

All new Subway® franchise owners are required to attend a two-week training course at the Subway® Support Centre in Cambridge ahead of opening their own store. This intensive training programme provides them with an overview of operating a Subway® store and running a business, including classroom and in-store sessions. On completion of the training, franchise owners are well-equipped to take the next steps in opening their own store. Similar training programmes are available for Subway® store managers as well.

University of Subway®, Subway® Support Centre

In addition to face-to-face training, Subway® also runs the University of Subway®, a well-established online training programme coordinated by the Subway® Support Centre in Connecticut, USA. Offering over 400 online courses for franchise owners and store staff, the University of Subway® has brought on-demand learning to more than one million individuals and has surpassed 15 million course completions since its launch in 2007.

An in-depth support structure is operated through Business Development Agents who have specific experience in opening and developing Subway® franchises and often own several outlets of their own.

There are 20 Business Development Offices in the UK and Ireland which assist and mentor all franchise owners with site selection, leasing, design, construction, hands-on training, purchasing, operations, advertising, local store marketing and more. The Business Development Office also provides continued support and mentoring once franchise owners have opened a Subway® store.

The key attributes of a successful franchise owner include:

• Passionate about Subway®– with a good knowledge of the market
• Good motivator
• Possess business acumen and awareness
• Organised
• Effective time-management skills
• Articulate
• People-person
• Good listener
• Effective communicator
• Professional in outlook
• Open to advice and guidance

Key attributes revolve around the ability to take advice and guidance from others. Subway® offers full support and training both at the beginning of the relationship and on an ongoing basis. This essential support network provides franchise owners with a framework of contacts to draw upon who practical knowledge and can advise potential franchise owners on an ongoing basis.

The story of Subway® started more than 50 years ago when Dr Peter Buck, a nuclear physicist, changed the life of Fred De Luca, a college student, giving him the idea to help pay his college tuition with a few simple words: “Let’s open a submarine sandwich shop.”

The first store was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August 1965. Then, they set a goal of having 32 stores opened in 10 years. Fred soon learned the basics of running a business, as well as the importance of serving a well-made, high quality product, providing excellent customer service, keeping operating costs low and finding great locations. These early lessons continue to serve as the foundation for successful Subway® stores around the world. 

KAREEMAA MUSA

Kareemaa is a Subway® franchise owner in Barnsley. She realised her franchise dream in February 2019 when she opened her first Subway® store on a busy retail park that she set out to do with her late husband.

"It takes hard work and determination to become a franchise owner, but that shouldn't put anyone off exploring their dream of becoming their own boss; there is so much reward that comes with it as well. I've built a really strong team around me, and that, along with the support from Subway®, my family and friends, I am really proud to say that I am a Subway® franchise owner."

WILL BRAY

Will studied Agriculture and Business Studies at Newcastle University and within just months of graduating, he became the franchise owner of a Subway store in Bath. Now at just 26 years old, Will is the proud franchise owner of four Subway® stores in the city.

"I loved the brand and its future potential. With the business studies knowledge I had gained at university and my passion for the brand, a Subway® franchise felt like the perfect career. 

I really enjoy building up a rapport with my guests and getting to know them and the local community. It's important my guests realise that behind the big Subway® brand is a small business owner, who wants to be a valuable member of the local community."

ABHI PRAKASH

At the age of just 27, Abhi is the proud owner of his first Subway® store in Ilkeston, Derby. After graduating university with a degree in medicine, Abhi changed his mind about his career path and decided he wanted to own his own business.

"I grew tired of working for others or sitting at a desk. I wanted to be physically involved in a business, making the decisions and on my feet. I work in my store every day, taking part in the day-to-day running including opening up, preparing the meat and vegetables, baking bread, cleaning and serving guests. I think it is important I meet the regular guests in the store and for them to get to know me.

I get to set the expectation of customer service in the store - some people walk in and I know exactly what bread and what filling they want in their Sub before they ask. Great service is what will keep people coming back to the store."

MYLES BULL

Myles is a Subway® franchise owner with one store in Maidstone. For Myles, a career in franchising was always the plan and he began researching franchise opportunities whilst at Sheffield Hallam University where he undertook a degree in Business and Enterprise Management.

"I have always wanted to run my own business; franchising seemed like the perfect way to achieve this. In the first couple of years, many new start-ups fail and it's very difficult to make a profit. With franchising you can hit the ground running, using a tried and tested business model.

What's more, with a franchise like Subway®, there is an established customer base and excellent brand awareness. There is also a strong support network in place. It's the ideal model for entrepreneurial individuals who want to start their own businesses, but with the added reassurance that they are joining a proven system."