Subway Named No. 1 Franchise Opportunity
MILFORD, Conn. -- For the second year in a row, Subway has landed in the No. 1 position in the Franchise Direct Top 100 Global Franchises Rankings due to its clear business plan, commitment to training and support, ability to innovate and sensitivity to environmental issues.
Criteria for the ranking process include system size based on numbers of units, sales revenue, stability and growth, and market expansion. Franchise Direct is a portal of franchise and business opportunities whose goal is to provide a reliable, authoritative platform where entrepreneurs can connect with franchisors seeking investors, according to the company.
"It's because of the franchisees! They're the heart and soul of the Subway family. We know that our success depends upon their excellence in operating their restaurants," said Don Fertman, chief development officer for Subway. "We take great pride in the hard work and effort made by the thousands of franchisees throughout the world and in the millions of customers that they serve."
The company hit two major milestones during the first quarter of 2012: operating 25,000 restaurants in the U.S. and opening 779 new locations around the world, according to the company. Subway operates more than 36,700 restaurants in 100 countries and is reportedly on track to reach its goal of adding 2,500 additional units by the end of this year.
Subway franchisees have created more than 8,000 jobs so far this year, the company said.
"People said it was crazy to start a new business during this economy," said Blake Newton, recipient of a 2011 Subway Franchisee of the Year Award. "But Subway was an affordable, easy to operate franchise, especially with the amount of support we get from headquarters and the local development office. It made Subway the perfect opportunity for me to own and operate my own small business."
Subway plans to continue its growth by opening locations in non-traditional spaces such as convenience stores, airports, movie theaters and more. It currently operates more than 8,000 non-traditional locations.
"Non-traditional Subway restaurants come in all shapes and sizes and can be found just about anywhere," said Fertman. "Because of the concept's flexible floor plans, minimal space and equipment requirements and popular menu offerings, Subway restaurants are uniquely suited for these special sites, which are integral to the chain's overall development strategy, and are a large contributor to the chain's record breaking growth." Subway is a division of Doctor’s Associates Inc.