1851

<a href="https://1851franchise.com/subways-tuna-fish-sandwich-is-not-tuna-and-not-fish-lawsuit-claims-2714881">Tuna-gate</a> aside, 2021 was a great year for <a href="https://www.subway.com/en-US/OwnAFranchise?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Subway</a>.&nbsp;The world's largest sandwich chain — and the second-largest franchise brand — recently <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-food/subway-breaks-sales-and-development-records-2021?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">announced</a> that it beat 2021 sales projections by nearly $1.4 billion and reached its highest annual AUV since 2014. Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, including <a href="https://1851franchise.com/supply-chain-crisis-should-franchise-brands-turn-to-hoarding-2717359">supply chain issues</a>, <a href="https://1851franchise.com/what-the-vaccine-mandate-entails-for-fast-food-franchises-2717059">safety restrictions</a> and <a href="https://1851franchise.com/omicrons-spread-perpetuates-restaurant-labor-shortages-supply-chain-issues-2717672">labor shortages</a>, Subway’s success shows the industry at large may be well on its way to achieving — and surpassing — pre-pandemic levels.&nbsp;A massive 16,000 Subway locations experienced a 7.5% rise in same-store sales compared to 2019. Overall, the system saw an 8.7% increase in domestic same-store sales versus December 2019.&nbsp;Still, that recent AUV improvement could also be influenced by store closures. The brand closed 1,000 locations in 2021, most of which had lower unit volumes, which may have heightened the entire system average.&nbsp;But those closures don’t mean the chain hasn’t seen any development momentum, particularly internationally. Last year, Subway signed major development deals in India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand that will result in more than 3,000 future restaurants, <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-food/subway-breaks-sales-and-development-records-2021?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to QSR</a>. In November, the brand announced one of the "largest master franchise agreements in quick-service restaurant history” — an agreement with private equity firm Everstone Group to open more than <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-food/subway-inks-one-biggest-franchise-agreements-history?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2,000 units</a> across South Asia over the next decade.Subway points to several factors that may have aided in its recent success. For one, the brand rolled out its largest menu update ever with <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/exclusives/subway-unveils-biggest-menu-update-brand-history?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">July's launch of "Eat Fresh Refresh</a>,” introducing 11 new and improved ingredients, six new or returning sandwiches, and four revamped signature sandwiches. The brand also <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/outside-insights/story-behind-subways-historic-menu-refresh?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">upgraded its mobile app</a> to include a new dashboard, fewer clicks, and insight into out-of-stock items.&nbsp;Subway also partnered with DoorDash to launch delivery through its website and app, emphasizing the growing importance of having a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/third-party-delivery-apps-continue-to-take-over-the-game-2710464">robust delivery platform</a> amid changing consumer behavior. Third-party delivery market revenue has increased <a href="https://www.businessofapps.com/data/food-delivery-app-market/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">204% in the past five years</a>, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated that trend."Subway’s 2021 sales results indicate we have the right team and strategy to bring our multi-year transformation journey to life," CEO John Chidsey said in a statement. "As we continue to evolve and build a better Subway, our priority remains working closely with our network of dedicated franchisees to help them grow their business and deliver a better food and better guest experience.”Subway isn’t the only franchise brand that exceeded expectations in 2021. Yum! Brands, the franchisor behind legacy concepts like KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, reported same-store sales growth for all of its concepts, both globally and in the U.S., and also broke a <a href="https://1851franchise.com/yum-brands-broke-a-franchising-record-last-year---heres-what-it-could-mean-for-the-industry-2717996">franchise industry record</a> with a whopping 4,200 new restaurants opened last year.Although both franchisees and franchisors are continuing to navigate a tumultuous restaurant industry, Subways’ sales growth suggests post-pandemic recovery is potentially on the horizon. According to a newly released <a href="https://restaurant.org/research-and-media/media/press-releases/association-releases-2022-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-report/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising-2718084" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">State of the Restaurant Industry</a> report from the National Restaurant Association, industry sales are expected to increase 12.4% in 2022, reaching $898 billion. The size of the workforce in the foodservice industry is also expected to grow in 2022, with an estimated addition of approximately 400,000 jobs.Related articles:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/restaurants-reduce-operating-hours-due-to-staffing-shortages-2717775#industry-spotlight">Restaurants Reduce Operating Hours Due to Staffing Shortages</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/december-restaurant-sales-slip-with-omicron-variant-and-inflation-to-blame-2717802#industry-spotlight">December Restaurant Sales Slip With Omicron Variant and Inflation to Blame</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/restaurants-increase-menu-prices-due-to-inflation-2717700#industry-spotlight">Restaurants Increase Menu Prices Due to Inflation</a></li></ul>

What Subway’s Record-Breaking Year Means for Franchising

1851 Franchise

Like many other of the biggest franchise systems, 2021 proved to be a major turnaround year for the world’s largest sandwich brand and suggests a bright future ahead for the restaurant industry.  

what-subways-record-breaking-year-means-for-franchising

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Pigtails & Crewcuts Kicks Off 2025 With 3 New Openings, Milestone Celebrations and Continued Franchise Growth

pigtails-crewcuts-kicks-off-2025-with-3-new-openings-milestone-celebrations-and-continued-franchise-growth

Sylvan Learning

Down to Business: Sylvan Learning Owner Reflects on Education, Challenges and the Future

down-to-business-sylvan-learning-owner-reflects-on-education-challenges-and-the-future

BoConcept

Montréal Guardian: BoConcept Quebec Brings Danish Design to Canada

montreal-guardian-boconcept-quebec-brings-danish-design-to-canada

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

How Much Does It Cost to Open an Onigilly Franchise?

onigilly-franchise-cost-to-open

Right at Home

Right at Home Franchisee Albano Mahilaj To Share Caregiver-To-Owner Journey in Upcoming Webinar

right-at-home-franchisee-albano-mahilaj-to-share-caregiver-to-owner-journey-in-upcoming-webinar

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

FAT Brands Becomes First Restaurant Franchise To Accept Bitcoin for Royalty Payments

fat-brands-becomes-first-restaurant-franchise-to-accept-bitcoin-for-royalty-payments

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Hooters Bankruptcy - Chapter 11 - April 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Files for Bankruptcy, Sells Restaurants to Franchisee Group

hooters-bankruptcy-chapter-11-april-2025

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

From Pizza Delivery to Fast-Casual Innovator: How Dave Wood Built Mahana Fresh

mahana-fresh-franchisor-dave-wood

Monty’s Handyman Services Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

montys-handyman-services-deep-dive

Casey Biehl Is Leading a Back-to-Basics Reboot for BurgerFi After Acquiring the Brand in Florida Late Last Year

casey-biehl-burgerfi-franchise-reboot

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Military Veteran and Craft Beer Enthusiast to Bring Voodoo Brewing Co. to Toledo, Ohio

military-veteran-and-craft-beer-enthusiast-to-bring-voodoo-brewing-co-to-toledo-ohio

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

Newlyweds Open Paris Baguette Franchise to Serve Up Fresh Baked Goods and Community Spirit in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania

newlyweds-open-paris-baguette-franchise-to-serve-up-fresh-baked-goods-and-community-spirit-in-upper-dublin-pennsylvania

What Subway’s Record-Breaking Year Means for Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS