Subway is the home of the submarine sandwich. Their slogan is “Eat Fresh” and they’ve branded themselves as a healthy alternative to typical fast food establishments. The main menu item is their infamous sub but they also offer other items such as: a variety of soft drinks, salads, wraps and baked goods.

The company’s focus is on fresh, made-to-order food and all of their subs are made from freshly baked bread and prepared directly in front of the customer. Their dedication to providing healthy, fresh, fast-food has ensured they have remained at the forefront of the fast-food industry.

History

The first ever Subway was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965. This store was opened by a young Fred DeLuca, along with his business partner Dr. Pete Buck and was originally named “Pete’s Super Submarines.” The initial idea had been that DeLuca wanted to earn enough money to pay for medical school; he could never have imagined the popularity that the company would subsequently gain.

The second location was opened barley a year after the first and it was shortly after this that DeLuca and Buck formed their company Doctors Associates Inc., to assist with franchising the chain. It was in 1968 that they changed the name of the company to the iconic “Subway” and the electric yellow logo was created. The first official franchise was opened, again in Connecticut, in 1974.

From this point on, Subway slowly began their global takeover to become the largest restaurant and fast-food chain in the world. They are also the second largest fast-food advertiser; which is something that has contributed greatly to their success. They now have over 44,000 stores across the world with their first UK store being opened in Brighton way back in 1996.

Since 2007 the company has consistently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s top 500 franchises, coming second in 2012. Nowadays, their focus is on creating an even healthier option for their customers, from lowering the salt content across their products to introducing gluten free bread; they continue to strive towards a healthier option for everyone. 

Review

When you arrive at any Subway location you’ll be greeted by a member of their welcoming, professional staff, or a “Subway Sandwich Artist” as they’re known. The main item on offer is their submarine sandwich that comes in a variety of options. First you need to choose what size, 6in or 12in, then your bread type: 9 grain wheat, 9 grain honey-oat, Italian, Italian and herb; and finally whatever filling you want: chicken and bacon ranch melt, steak and cheese, veggie pattie, tuna, italian B.M.T or their meatball marinara. Your sandwich artist will then create your order directly in front of you and to your exact specification.

If you’re not in the mood for a sub, they also offer a vast range of: salads, wraps, baked treats and hot and cold drinks. Plus if you’re heading there during the morning they have a delightful breakfast range. The locations are pristinely clean with a modern feel and each location has a variety of casual seating areas should you wish to eat in-house. Waiting times have been significantly reduced in the chain due to their efficient service-line style of food preparation; meaning you’ll get your order quickly and while it’s still hot and tasty.

Something else that makes the brand highly popular with customers is their extremely reasonable prices. Normal prices range from: $3 to $5 for a 6in sub or $5 to $8 for a 12in ‘footlong’ sub.  In 2008 they introduced an offer for a ‘five dollar footlong’, and the company immediately recognized how popular the offer was. Therefore, since 2011 across the US, they now offer their ‘five dollar footlong everyday value meal’, making the chain even more affordable for those on a budget.

Subway have maintained their position as the largest fast-food chain by consistently providing, healthy, fresh, affordable meals; fast, friendly and efficient service and by continually striving for a better product for their customers. They have stores in 111 countries and judging by their popularity and rate of expansion, it won’t be long until there’ll be a subway in every single country in the world.