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FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Subway Franchise

Subway is one of the world’s largest and most recognized quick-service restaurant chains, built around customizable sandwiches, salads, and wraps made to order from fresh ingredients. Founded in 1965 in Connecticut, the brand has grown over six decades into a global network spanning more than 100 countries. In April 2024, Subway was acquired by Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm with deep restaurant franchising expertise, marking a significant ownership transition for the system.

The business model centers on a straightforward, low-labor sandwich shop with flexible format options including freestanding, inline, endcap, drive-thru, and non-traditional locations. Subway locations can start at just 400 square feet, keeping buildout costs and operating overhead lower than many traditional restaurant formats. With 99% brand awareness and a menu focused on fresh, customizable options, the brand occupies a distinct position in the QSR category.

For franchisees, Subway operates under a 20-year franchise agreement. The system currently prioritizes multi-unit operators, offering buy-and-build and portfolio rollup opportunities for investors looking to acquire and scale multiple locations across diverse markets.

Latest Resales

  • There are currently no Subway resales available

Why buy a Subway Franchise?

To buy a Subway franchise is to partner with one of the most recognized consumer brands in the world, with 99% brand awareness and over 60 years of brand equity behind it. That recognition translates into built-in consumer familiarity at the unit level: a Subway location draws customers who already know the menu and the format, reducing the local marketing burden compared to less-established concepts.

The business model is built for operational simplicity and lower overhead. Flexible formats — including compact non-traditional locations starting at 400 square feet — keep buildout and lease costs manageable across a wide range of real estate types. The Independent Purchasing Co-op (IPC) manages the supply chain and acts as the exclusive purchasing agent for the system, giving franchisees access to centrally negotiated supplier terms.

Subway Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1965

    • Franchising Since

      1974

    • New Startup Cost

      $263,000 – $630,000

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $15,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      50%

      of then-current Initial Franchise Fee

    • Royalty Fee

      8%

      of total Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      4.50%

      of total Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      18773

    • New Units Opened *

      499

    • Units Transferred *

      1307

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      Not Disclosed

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Subway – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Subway's 3-week training program combines virtual learning via the University of Subway® with in-person sessions at certified restaurant locations; the University of Subway® e-learning platform also supports ongoing staff training. The IPC (Independent Purchasing Co-op) serves as the exclusive supply chain manager and purchasing agent for all system restaurants. National and regional marketing programs support ongoing consumer demand. Resale buyers should confirm what onboarding and initial training is provided to incoming owners and their management teams, and what University of Subway® access transfers with the resale.

  2. Ideal Owner

    Subway's franchise model suits experienced operators with a background in restaurant management, business ownership, or franchising. The brand currently prioritizes multi-unit candidates capable of acquiring and operating five or more locations. The ideal owner is process-driven and comfortable managing staff across a structured, high-volume service environment, with the organizational capacity to meet Subway's quality and operational standards at scale. Prior experience in a staffed retail or food service environment is considered strongly beneficial.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Subway is ranked #188 in the 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, the most widely cited annual franchise ranking in North America. The brand reports 99% consumer awareness in the US (Restaurant Research Reports, March 2024), positioning it among the most recognizable quick-service restaurant brands in the country. Under Roark Capital Group's ownership since April 2024, Subway has continued investing in restaurant modernization, digital ordering platforms, and menu innovation. For resale buyers, brand-level recognition should be weighed alongside unit-level factors including local reviews and community visibility.

  4. Industry / Market

    The US quick-service restaurant market was valued at approximately USD 447 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 790 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of nearly 10% (Mordor Intelligence, 2026). Growth is driven by digital ordering adoption, delivery channel expansion, and consumer demand for speed and convenience; drive-through and takeaway formats account for the majority of QSR transactions nationally. For resale buyers, local competitive density, the unit's digital ordering setup, and proximity to high-traffic locations are key demand-side factors to evaluate.

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