The Subway® Story
Where it All Began
In 1965, 17-year-old Fred DeLuca asked his family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, a nuclear physicist, for advice on how to pay his college tuition. Dr. Buck’s idea? Open a submarine sandwich shop. With a $1,000 investment and a handshake, the two formed a business partnership that would ultimately reshape the quick service restaurant industry. That summer, they opened their first restaurant —Pete’s Super Submarines— in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where they served freshly made, affordable and convenient sandwiches to local guests.
Contact UsFranchising and Growth
By 1974, Fred and Dr. Buck had opened 16 restaurants throughout Connecticut. To accelerate growth, the pair began franchising — a decision that launched the brand into a period of incredible growth and made Subway a household name.
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Values and Legacy
- Exceptional Service: Always provide excellent, consistent service to valued guests
- Better-For-You Options: Offer high-quality, flavorful and better-for-you menu options at a great value
- Relentless Innovation: Never stop evolving to improve the Subway brand
Subway® Today
Subway serves freshly made sandwiches at a great value to millions of guests around the world every day. Restaurants are owned and operated by a network of thousands of dedicated Subway franchisees who are passionate about consistently delivering a high-quality, convenient guest experience and contributing positively to their local communities.
Contact UsRELATED CONTENT
Our Tribute to Fred DeLuca
From his humble beginnings to the creation of a sandwich empire.
Our Tribute to Dr. Peter Buck
His legacy will continue to live on through the brand he worked so hard to build.
Our Future
At Subway®, good just isn’t good enough. We're constantly innovating — focused on delivering better food at a great value and a better guest experience.
Pete’s Super Submarines
17-year-old Fred DeLuca and family friend Dr. Peter Buck open their first submarine sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Originally called “Pete’s Super Submarines,” they sell 312 sandwiches the first day.
Welcome to Subway
The name Subway® is used for the first time.
Fast Forward to Franchising
The first franchised Subway restaurant opens in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest
The brand introduces its signature sandwich - the Classic BMT. Originally named for the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit system, the build is later referred to as “Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest.”
It’s Snak Time
Subway launches its “Snak” sub sandwich, which is later renamed the six inch.
Fresh Out of the Oven
Subway debuts its iconic freshly baked bread at U.S. locations.
Expanding Overseas
The brand opens its first international location in Bahrain.
Venturing into Non-Traditional
Subway expands into “non-traditional” locations, such as in gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and rest areas.
Subway on the Web
Subway.com officially launches.
Fresh Fit Menu
Subway launches its Fresh Fit Menu and Fresh Fit Kids Meals, with better-for-you options to complement guests’ active lifestyles.
$5 Footlong
Subway® introduces its long-running $5 Footlong promotion and the catchy jingle that made it famous.
Remembering Fred DeLuca
Co-Founder Fred DeLuca, passes away at the age of 67.
Fresh Forward
Subway launches its Fresh Forward restaurant design, featuring a new, modernized look and feel, and improved guest experience.
Eat Fresh® Refresh
Subway kicks off Eat Fresh Refresh – with the goal to improve across every aspect of the business from menu updates to digital and guest experience.
Remembering Dr. Peter Buck
Dr. Peter Buck, co-founder and Subway’s first investor, passes away at the age of 90.
Subway Cares Foundation
Subway establishes the Subway Cares Foundation, an independent, global non-profit dedicated to nourishing brighter futures by supporting hunger relief and scholarships.
Sale to New Ownership
Subway completes sale to new owner.