The brand has experienced remarkable growth in the EMEA regions.
Subway recently announced that it has signed over 20 master franchise agreements in the past three years, leading to more than 10,000 future restaurant commitments and accounting for over 40% of its new restaurant openings this year.
In 2024 alone, Subway has signed seven of these agreements, expanding into Paraguay and Mongolia, while also enhancing its presence in France, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Brazil, El Salvador, and Guatemala.
These agreements are expected to generate 2,000 future restaurant commitments, with additional agreements anticipated before the end of the year.
Subway’s international expansion, along with its strategy to attract multi-unit operators, including large national corporate partners, has accelerated the pace of new restaurant openings. The brand is on track to more than double its new restaurant openings in 2024 compared to 2019.
“Subway’s global growth strategy of partnering with well-resourced, experienced multi-unit operators is proving to be successful,” stated Mike Kehoe, Global Chief Development Officer at Subway. “By collaborating with the right partners, we are making significant progress in modernizing our brand image through new and remodeled restaurants, enhancing the overall guest experience, and boosting digital sales.”
As part of its smart growth strategy, Subway is focused on ensuring that its restaurants are positioned in the right locations with the appropriate image and format. The brand is also strengthening its non-traditional business, which represents about a quarter of its global footprint.
This strategy includes establishing new and expanded development agreements with brands such as Love’s Travel Stops and reinforcing long-term retail partnerships with prominent companies like Walmart and Aramark. Subway is also leveraging its flexible format to increase its presence in airports, collaborating with partners like Areas in Mexico and Spain, as well as in college and hospital campuses.
