The largest U.S. restaurant chain is shuttering hundreds of locations at a rapid pace.
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According to franchise disclosure documents, Subway’s U.S. restaurant count has dipped below 20,000 for the first time in two decades.
The sandwich chain has seen a steady decline in U.S. locations for eight consecutive years. In 2024 alone, it closed 631 restaurants, bringing its total to 19,502. Despite the contraction, Subway remains the largest restaurant chain in the country.
Globally, Subway operates 37,000 locations, marking the second straight year of international growth. In a statement to CNN, the company said it will continue to evaluate its U.S. footprint with a “strategic, data-driven approach” to ensure restaurants are in optimal locations, formats, and operated by the right franchisees. Subway noted it is actively opening new restaurants, relocating others, and closing underperforming sites to maintain a consistent, high-quality guest experience.
The closures come months after Subway scrapped its $6.99 six-inch Meal Deal in November 2024, following poor reception. The promotion—launched on National Sandwich Day (November 3)—offered a six-inch sub with a small drink and chips or two cookies. It was discontinued on November 27 due to underwhelming performance.
“The Meal Deal was designed to boost traffic, sales, and restaurant profitability, and met those objectives in market tests,” Subway stated at the time. “However, the national rollout didn’t deliver the anticipated results.” The company emphasized its data-driven approach to value offerings, aiming to balance customer appeal with franchise profitability through ongoing testing of new promotions.
Elsewhere in retail, JCPenney announced it will close several stores across seven states by the end of May. The company described these closures as “isolated” and unrelated to its recent merger with SPARC Group, which led to the formation of Catalyst Brands, a collective of six major retailers.
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