Subway set a Guinness World Record by making the most sub sandwiches at the same time.
Personally, I enjoy a delicious fast-food sandwich! It’s a great option to grab while out with family and friends.
The warm toastiness of a Chicken Pizzaiola or the heartiness of a Steak ‘n’ Cheese always wins when I’m deciding what to spend my lunch money on.
Considering that Subway has stores in countries from Afghanistan to Zambia and thousands more in between, they must be doing something right.
Here are 30 facts about the fast-food franchise.
The BMT sandwich, a combination of ham, pepperoni, and salami, is named after the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit system.
In 2014, Subway sold a whopping 7.6 million subs per day. That’s nearly the population of New York City!
The original Subway opened in 1965 with a $1,000 loan. Fred DeLuca took the loan from a friend and opened his first store in Connecticut called Pete’s Super Submarines.
Doctor’s Associates Inc. is the company that oversees the Subway franchise. The name comes from Fred’s goal to earn enough money to pay for medical school.
Subway hand-picks each black olive used in their sandwiches instead of using the less time-consuming but more harmful machine-picking method other brands use.
Upon opening, Pete’s sold just over 310 submarine sandwiches and charged no more than 70 cents for each sub.
The 6-inch sandwich, a lunchtime classic, was originally called “the Snak” when it was added to the sandwich chain’s extensive menu in 1977.
New York’s True Bethel Baptists Church opened a Subway store in 2004 to employ disadvantaged men and women from the community.
In 1968, Fred renamed his Super Sub store to the iconic “Subway” we know today.
As of June 2017, Subway has stores in over 110 countries, with the most stores outside the U.S. in the U.K. and Brazil. There are approximately 4,500 Subway stores worldwide.
Each year, the average Subway store uses about 16 acres of lettuce in sandwiches.
In 2015, a man in the U.S. robbed a Subway and used the money to buy a sandwich at the same store. He was arrested that day.
According to a former employee, the meatballs and roast beef are the worst fillings to choose due to how long they can sit around.
In 2010, Subway revealed a secret deal in Southern California for rainy days: the “Southern California Special.” Customers can get a free regular 6-inch or hot soup when they buy any sub and a 32-oz drink.
During the construction of the first World Trade Center, a Subway store opened high above the New York City skyline to feed hungry construction workers.
In August 2015, Subway announced on Twitter that they broke a Guinness World Record by making the most sub sandwiches at the same time. All proceeds went to local charities.
The first Subway store in the UK was opened in 1996, along with the launch of their main website, subway.com. By January 2013, Subway had managed to gather 20 million fans on their Facebook Social Media page. Although the “All Sandwiches” section on the US Subway website offers 16 different sandwich options, the number of possible combinations of DIY sandwiches and toppings reportedly runs into the millions. Subway opened their 200th store in Washington in 1981, with their 300th opening a year later, and their 5,000th by 1990. The chain was featured in the 90’s blockbuster movie Terminator 2: Judgment Day. In 1999, 32 customers in Seattle contracted Hepatitis A due to poor food preparation processes at a Subway outlet. Subway responded to criticism that their sandwiches were not 12 inches long by stating that the “footlong” is a descriptive name rather than an exact measurement. Interestingly, Subway has more chains than McDonald’s. Toasting options were only introduced in 2005, and a ruling in the UK may soon charge customers for toasting due to VAT changes. Dick Pilchen is Subway’s longest-serving employee, having started working for the chain in 1968 and currently working at their US headquarters. Project Subway was a fashion show held in 2013 and 2014, featuring Subway-themed outfits and designs created by up-and-coming fashion designers. Subway is currently exploring the possibility of introducing touch screen ordering, USB charging, and Wi-Fi to their stores. In 2016, Subway Ireland and the UK had a turnover of $680 million and plan to offer 5,000 new jobs by 2020. If you want to express your love for Subway the old-fashioned way, you can send a letter to their world headquarters in Milford, Connecticut. Despite the chain’s controversies, many people still enjoy a delicious 6-inch sub with all the trimmings for lunch.
FAQ
1. What is the history of Subway?
Subway was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck. The first Subway restaurant was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Since then, the company has grown to over 44,000 locations in more than 100 countries. Subway is known for its customizable sandwiches and fresh ingredients.
2. How many sandwiches does Subway sell each day?
Subway sells approximately 5.3 million sandwiches each day. That’s over 2 billion sandwiches sold annually. The most popular sandwich is the Italian B.M.T., which contains pepperoni, salami, and ham.
3. Does Subway offer healthy options?
Yes, Subway offers a variety of healthy options, including sandwiches made with whole grain bread, lean proteins, and fresh vegetables. In fact, the American Heart Association has certified several Subway sandwiches as heart-healthy options.
4. What is the largest Subway restaurant in the world?
The largest Subway restaurant in the world is located in Orlando, Florida. It is over 8,000 square feet and can seat up to 120 customers. The restaurant also features a drive-thru and a catering service.
Zayn Anderson is a prolific writer with a passion for uncovering the world’s intriguing facts. Armed with an insatiable curiosity, he delves into various subjects, from history and science to nature and technology.