Why Subway is an award-winning franchise

Neil Black says Subway franchisees benefit from operating a tried-and-tested system

BusinessesForSale.com: So, what do franchisees get for their money?

Neil Black: SUBWAY® franchisees benefit from an incredibly strong brand positioning and a raft of support from our developers and business consultants, with aspects such as site selection, leasing, purchasing, marketing and more.

Franchisees also receive full training, including time in the US and support throughout set up, opening and beyond.

BFS: And how much can a Subway franchisee expect to make?

NB: Income varies hugely from store to store and region to region.

BFS: Why, in your opinion, is this franchise good value?

NB: Start-up costs are exceptionally low for a franchise of the SUBWAY® chain’s size and stature, and franchisees can benefit from the purchasing power of a large chain. In some cases, traditional SUBWAY® outlets require an investment of as little as £100,000.

BFS: What is the secret of your success?

NB: The straightforward running of a SUBWAY® store, its reputation for quality, low-fat menu options and the fact that you do not need a grill or fryer, make it a natural fit for any location, which not only allows us to bring our great tasting food to more customers, but also provides additional business opportunities for franchisees.

SUBWAY® franchisees also benefit from operating in a tried-and-tested system with great training and a solid support structure.

The great thing about a working with such a high profile franchised business is that you are operating in a proven system

BFS: What sets it apart as a franchise opportunity?

NB: The great thing about a working with such a high profile franchised business is that you are operating in a proven system, with excellent training and great support, and the added scope to improve your business and work with the franchisor to develop the brand.

Partnering with the SUBWAY® chain provides excellent dual branding opportunities, high rental returns and increased customer market share.

BFS: Tell me about the support you give to your franchisees?

NB: The SUBWAY® chain has developed a comprehensive training program for franchisees. Each franchisee candidate is required to attend an intensive two-week training course. An in-depth support structure is operated through regional developers, who have specific experience in opening and developing SUBWAY® franchises and often own several outlets of their own.

There are 18 regional development offices in the UK and Ireland which assist and mentor all franchisees with site selection, leasing, design, construction, hands-on training, purchasing, operations, advertising, local store marketing and more.

In addition, the head office for the SUBWAY® chain in the UK and Ireland is based in Cambridge, with a local team of support staff focused on operations, leasing, R&D, customer service and franchisee services.

BFS: What do you look for in a franchisee in terms of skills, traits and experience?

NB: To become a SUBWAY® franchise owner you need to possess business acumen and awareness, as well as effective time-management skills. These can be built on by the extensive training programme provided for new franchisees both here and at our head office in the US.

It’s important you know your business and are prepared to ‘work the line’, which in our business means working as a Sandwich Artist as well as a supervisor. We believe hands-on management is vital to running a successful store.

An understanding of the dynamics which motivate individuals is also a real bonus in the franchising business. As a quick service restaurant franchise, the SUBWAY® chain is always faced with the ingrained perceptions of working within a ‘food to go’ outlet. Attracting reliable, customer-focused staff and retaining them is a key issue within the industry.

BFS: The story of Fred DeLuca and Subway is one of inexorable, rapid expansion – how much more scope for expansion have you got left?

NB: We are confident that the ongoing demand for great tasting, affordable and convenient food will be sustained, and that customers will continue to enjoy the choice of having their sandwiches made exactly the way they want – whether that’s low fat or indulgent.

In the 40 years since the chain was founded it has experienced varying economic conditions, and understands the business opportunities that will enable it to continue growing.

BFS: How many Subway franchisees go on to own more than one outlet?

NB: The career opportunities within the SUBWAY® chain are endless and employees are encouraged to progress within the organisation, often becoming franchisees themselves, or moving to other support areas of the structure.

As well as encouraging progression amongst store staff, we also actively encourage our successful franchisees to build on their achievements and move on to become multi-unit owners within the company. Over 70% of all new SUBWAY® franchises sold worldwide are sold to existing owners.

Buying a franchise is a good investment for people looking to take control of their own destiny, and store locations are becoming available in prime retail spaces.