Subway

The Chicago subway, the second of its kind in the United States, commenced operations in 1892, providing a vital transportation link for the city's residents and visitors.

The Budapest subway was inaugurated in 1896, marking the introduction of an underground rapid transit system in the Hungarian capital and enhancing urban mobility for its residents.

In August 1965, Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck opened a submarine sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with the idea of helping DeLuca earn money for his education. Initially named 'Pete's Super Submarines,' the venture marked the beginning of the Subway franchise.

In 1968, DeLuca and Buck renamed their business 'Subway' to emphasize their specialization in submarine sandwiches. This rebranding was crucial for the company's growth and success.

In 1972, Pete's Super Submarines was renamed to Subway, marking a significant change in the brand's identity.

In 1974, the first Subway franchise was established in Wallingford, Connecticut, marking the beginning of Subway's expansion through franchising. This event was significant in the rapid growth of the Subway brand.

In 1984, Subway opened its first international location in Bahrain, marking the start of its global journey. This expansion strategy involved adapting menus to suit local tastes, as seen in India with the introduction of vegetarian options.

In 1989, Subway acquired Cajun Joe's, a chain based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in fried chicken and Cajun cuisine.

In 1995, Subway Sandwich Shops and its founders were found liable for breach of contract in Illinois, resulting in a jury awarding over $10 million in damages to the plaintiffs for lease and contract violations.

In 1998, Subway became the first restaurant chain to receive the American Heart Association's Heart-Check certification for heart-healthy meals, strengthening its image as a health-conscious restaurant.

In September 1999, 32 customers in Seattle got infected with hepatitis A after consuming contaminated food at two Subway outlets. The virus, transmitted through contaminated food or water, affects the liver and causes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.

Jared Fogle became a national spokesman for Subway in the US, promoting healthy living and appearing in advertisements.

A 6-year-old boy, the most severely affected victim of the hepatitis A outbreak in Seattle's Subway outlets, received a $10 million out-of-court settlement in 2001 for acute liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

In 2004, Subway started opening stores in Walmart supercenters, a strategic move that contributed to its widespread presence.

In 2005, Subway ended its 'Sub Club' stamp promotion due to counterfeit stamps and online auction sites.

In 2006, Subway introduced 'personal pizzas' in some US markets, which are made to order and heated for 85 seconds.

In February 2007, it was reported that Subway's 'Giant Sub' sandwiches in Arizona were shorter than advertised, leading to a reevaluation of advertising and packaging practices by Subway in response to regulatory violations.

Subway began offering all its regular one-foot-long submarine sandwiches for five dollars, which became one of the company's most successful promotions.

In an effort to boost ratings for the TV series Chuck, fans were encouraged to purchase a footlong sub from Subway on the date of the season finale.

In 2011, Subway introduced gluten-free bread and brownies in Texas and reduced the salt content of its sandwiches by 15%.

In January 2013, a teen in Australia complained that Subway's 'footlong' sandwich was shorter than advertised, leading to a class-action lawsuit and a settlement that was later rejected for being inadequate.

On November 1, 2014, Subway discontinued the five-dollar footlong promotion and introduced the Simple $6 Menu, which included a six-inch select with a drink and a choice of cookies or chips.

Subway offered a Buy One sandwich, Give One sandwich free promotion to celebrate National Sandwich Day.

In February 2016, Subway announced that all classic footlongs would be priced at $6 each.

In April 2017, high school animal activist Lia Hyman led a campaign for Subway's chicken welfare policy, delivering signatures to Subway's headquarters.

In January 2018, Subway launched a re-branding campaign targeting young consumers to rejuvenate its image and increase sales amidst market challenges.

In April 2018, Subway announced the closure of about 500 additional U.S. locations due to declining profits and foot traffic, attributed to changing consumer preferences and market competition.

In September 2018, Subway introduced the limited-time Chipotle Cheesesteak sandwich to its menu.

In 2019, John Chidsey became the first chief executive officer of Subway from outside the DeLuca family.

Subway has gone through significant changes over the past eight years, including volatility and uncertainty. This period has been eventful for the chain.

In July 2021, Subway debuted its 'Refresh' campaign featuring various celebrities. However, some franchisees requested the removal of Megan Rapinoe from the ads due to sales concerns.

Insights into why workers leave or stay at Subway, providing valuable resources for understanding employee retention in the company.

Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Subway faced criticism for not divesting from Russia. Despite redirecting profits to humanitarian efforts, Subway was listed among International Sponsors of War for continuing operations in Russia.

Subway, once the world’s largest restaurant chain, is expected to announce its sale following years of changes and uncertainty, including the loss of its founders.

On March 19, 2024, Subway entered a 10-year partnership with PepsiCo, ending its long-standing association with The Coca-Cola Company and transitioning to Pepsi products.

On April 30, 2024, Roark Capital officially acquired Subway after regulatory approval, solidifying its position in the sandwich shop market.