Connecticut-based Subway expects a few hundred franchises in North America to close, consolidate or relocate this year amid a revitalization plan and for the company to grow with more than 1,000 restaurants internationally.
In a statement, Subway said it does not own any restaurants. Every Subway restaurant is independently owned and operated and the franchisees make decisions on locations.
“In North America we are implementing an aggressive revitalization plan, which we expect to result in the closing, consolidation or relocation of a few hundred locations in 2018,” a statement from a Subway spokesperson says.
The company announced some changes this year, including launching a new “signature wrap collection,” a North America loyalty program, $4.99 footlong favorites, Fresh Fit six-inch subs and more.
“Subway restaurants are 100% Franchisee owned and operated, and our commitment to the Franchisees is to work with them to make each restaurant more successful. Subway is the world’s largest restaurant chain and we are confident we will remain the industry leader,” the statement from a Subway spokesperson says.
The statement goes on to say:
“In North America we are implementing an aggressive revitalization plan, which we expect to result in the closing, consolidation or relocation of a few hundred locations in 2018. Simultaneously, outside of North America we expect to open more than 1,000 new restaurants this year. Looking out over the next decade, we anticipate having a slightly smaller, but more profitable footprint in North America and a significantly larger footprint in the rest of the world.”
