For decades, Subway was synonymous with quick and affordable lunches across the country. However, the world's largest sandwich chain is now facing a very different stage. In what represents a hard blow to the American dining landscape, the company has confirmed the closure of hundreds of its locations in the United States.
The latest data indicate that Subway now has fewer than 20,000 stores on U.S. soil. It is the first time in more than 15 years that this figure has fallen below that threshold. So far in 2025, 631 establishments have closed. A trend that, according to experts, reflects deep problems in the brand's operation.
Subway Continues Its Transformation
The company is not only losing presence on the streets but also in the hearts of its consumers. Aggressive competition, outdated menus, and a customer experience that no longer convinces are some of the factors behind this decline. Many franchised locations report low profitability, stagnant sales, and difficulties in keeping operational costs.
Subway was acquired in 2023 by the private equity firm Advent International. Since then, they promised a transformation to rescue the brand. However, the results have yet to appear. Although they have invested in redesigns, menu improvements, and new marketing strategies, the numbers do not support them.
The areas most affected by the closures include medium-sized cities and neighborhoods where Subway once dominated. In some cases, the same location operated for more than 20 years before closing its doors. Social media have been filled with farewell messages from customers who grew up with their sandwiches.
Additionally, this cut has a direct impact on employment. Each closed store represents the loss of between 5 and 10 jobs. The franchisees, who operate the majority of the locations, now face the dilemma of reinventing themselves or leaving the business.
Despite everything, the company assures that these closures are part of a strategic plan. Their goal would be "to focus on more profitable, well-located stores with greater growth potential." They also highlight that in international markets they still show strength, such as in Asia and Latin America.
But Subway's image in the U.S. is no longer what it used to be. The promise of "eat fresh" has lost its shine compared to new chains that are more modern, healthy, or specialized. Consumer demands have changed, and Subway seems to have been slow to adapt.
Meanwhile, the numbers continue to fall. The chain has gone from having nearly 27,000 stores in 2015 to fewer than 20,000 in 2025. Ten thousand fewer locations in just a decade. It is a transformation that affects not only the brand but also the fast food culture in the United States.
The future of Subway remains uncertain. The company insists that it is a necessary restructuring.
However, the truth is that many are bidding farewell to their local branches with a bitter taste. The sandwich giant is no longer untouchable. It now struggles to stay afloat in a market that doesn't forgive the lack of evolution.