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

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

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 Development Website Builder

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

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

How-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

petbar Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

petbar-franchise-deep-dive

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

What Subway’s Record-Breaking Year Means for Franchising

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS