Subway promoted its Marketing Technology Vice President Carissa Ganelli to?hief digital officer

Subway®, one of the world's largest restaurant brands, is rolling out the next phase of its digital experience across the UK, Finland and Germany to deliver added convenience for guests, create more efficiencies for franchisees and their team members, and help drive traffic and sales.

The restaurant chain is introducing interactive self-serve kiosks across the three markets, with plans to add hundreds more throughout the region by the end of the year. 

The kiosks – powered by Vita Mojo’s end-to-end digital order management technology – are connected to kitchen display systems and order ready screens to help improve order speed, quality and accuracy. 

Many of the digitally connected restaurants also feature modern digital menu boards, which highlight special menu items and the latest promotions and offers, while adding an element of energy to the environment.

In addition, Subway is rolling out a new app with mobile ordering, and is relaunching its loyalty program, Subway Rewards®. Members of the refreshed Subway Rewards program will earn points on every purchase and can easily convert their points to Subway Cash® to be used on any of their favorite menu items, with no minimum spend – a unique offering within the QSR industry for the region. 

“Europe is leading Subway’s global digital evolution by providing guests with an elevated in-restaurant and online experience and more ways for them to order their favorite subs,” said Carrie Walsh, President of Subway EMEA. 

Sandwich chain Subway has announced the arrival of freshly sliced meats in U.S. restaurants – its latest and biggest change since the brand began its efforts to improve every aspect of the guest experience, headlined by a better menu, which began in 2021.

To showcase freshly sliced meats, Subway revealed a major expansion of its Subway Series menu with a new category called Deli Heroes, a collection of the ultimate deli subs. 

These authentic, deli-style sandwiches, ordered by name and number, will satisfy the strongest deli cravings.  

“Over the past two years, we overhauled our expansive pantry of ingredients and debuted a whole new way to Subway with chef-crafted signature sandwiches. These major changes led to rave reviews from our guests and record-breaking sales,” said Trevor Haynes, President, North America at Subway by adding that this year’s changes are even bigger and more transformational. 

“The addition of freshly sliced meats is the most impactful yet as it gives our guests a better sandwich – raising the bar even higher for the brand that defined fresh. We can’t wait for America to taste the difference and see how far we have come on our journey,” he added.
The brand also invested more than $80 million in deli meat slicers and gifted them to all its U.S. franchisees. 

Subway plans to use $6,000 slicers to slice its meat rather than use pre-packaged meat from its factories. Rotisserie chicken, cheese and steak will still come prepared, according to the release.

Subway operates over 37,000 restaurants across globe.
 

QSR-chain Subway is considering to sell the brand as per reports published in WSJ and Reuters.

The process is at an early stage and is anticipated to draw potential corporate bidders and private equity groups.

According to reports, the American fast-food restaurant is valued at $10 billion.

“As a privately held company, we don't comment on ownership structure and business plans," a Subway spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed query.

Owned by the two founding generations of the business in Milford, Connecticut for more than five decades, Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants in over 100 countries.

Earlier in May 2022, Sandwich chain Subway has announced to hire more than 50,000 restaurant team members in June as part of a nationwide hiring program.

In the release, it mentioned that it has vacancy for multiple jobs at its more than 20,000 restaurants nationwide.

Sandwich chain Subway has announced to hire more than 50,000 restaurant team members in June as part of a nationwide hiring program.

The push to hire at restaurants across the country comes as Subway prepares for its biggest summer yet, following record sales in 2022 and the company’s menu refresh last year.

The sandwich chain has vacancy for multiple jobs at its more than 20,000 restaurants nationwide.

In addition to employee training, growth and development programs, Subway restaurant careers offer a variety of employee perks and benefits to help achieve personal and professional goals.

Subway offers hires academic scholarships and preferred rates on higher education tuition, health and wellness perks, transportation incentives and technology savings. Two hundred and thirty sandwich artists worldwide have been awarded Fresh Start Scholarships this year.

It operates 37,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries.

QSR chain Subway has partnered with Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co, the leading franchise retailer in Saudi Arabia to expand in the region.

The new agreement kicks off an ambitious growth plan to nearly double Subway’s footprint of 210 restaurants in Saudi Arabia over the next six years by adding a minimum of 145 new locations.

“Today’s announcement is another example of our refreshed approach to international growth. Through partnering with companies that have deep regional knowledge and proven success in the industry, such as Alhokair, we are strategically expanding and strengthening our global footprint around the world,” shared John Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Subway.

It will also accelerate the integration of Subway’s new, modern “Fresh Forward” restaurant design in the country, which is backed by the brand’s digital-first strategy that provides guests with order ahead options.

“We are committed to supporting leading global brands, such as Subway, and their expansion in Saudi Arabia by leveraging our regional expertise and success in deploying omnichannel capabilities, cementing our transition to a lifestyle retailer of choice in the Kingdom,” said Marwan Moukarzel, Chief Executive Officer of Alhokair.

The agreement with Alhokair is part of Subway’s multi-year transformation journey to build a Better Subway and improve across all aspects of the brand as the business expands its presence around the world.

This year, Subway has signed master franchise agreements in India, the brand’s largest agreement to date, and the UAE, as part of its plan to double the number of restaurants across EMEA in the coming years and seek strong partners to support the brand on its journey.

In the largest ever master franchisee agreement that happened in the QSR history, more than 2,000 new restaurants to open across India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the next 10 years.

World’s largest QSR chain Subway is eyeing significant expansion in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as the company signed a master franchise agreement with Everstone Group (Everstone), a South Asia focused leading private investment firm.

The agreement is one of the largest master franchise agreements in QSR history.

Everstone, with expertise in growing and building brands in India and South Asia, will lead Subway on an ambitious growth trajectory, with a commitment to more than triple the number of restaurants in 10 years from the nearly 700 locations that exists today.

The new restaurants — as well as upgrades to existing locations — will adapt the company’s new, modern, and inviting “Fresh Forward” design and meet the needs of today’s consumer with comfortable guest indoor dining spaces as well as numerous delivery and order ahead options, with a strong digital first strategy.

“Today’s announcement represents a significant step in Subway’s transformation journey and global expansion plans,” said John Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Subway by adding that Everstone with extensive knowledge and proven restaurant operational expertise in the region, is the ideal partner as they begin this new chapter for Subway in India and South Asia.

In EMEA, Subway plans to double its number of restaurants across the region in the coming years and will continue to seek strong partners to support the brand on its journey.

“Subway is an iconic brand and its philosophy of freshly made-to-order and better-for-you food delivered at-home and in-store is central to one of the greatest structural consumer trends we see in South Asia,” said Sameer Sain, Founder and CEO, Everstone Group.

The retail arm of Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance Industries Ltd, Reliance Retail, is in talks to buy Subway India franchise for $200-250 million (Rs 1,488-1,860 crore).

According to a report in ET, Subway has been looking to streamline its India business by collaborating with local partners to do away with the current regional master franchisees and individual networks.

Currently, the food chain takes on a master franchise of ‘development agents’ who run these clusters of stores but do not directly own these stores.

Also Read: Subway hires Steve Rafferty as Senior Vice President of Development

On being contacted to few DA of Subway, Restaurant India couldn’t get a proper revert and the spokesperson from different subway franchise unit regretted to comment anything on it and directed to speak to the Subway India team.

Ranjit Talwar, Country Director, South Asia who also manages India operation of the sandwich chain declined to comment on the buyout.

“We are not authorized to share any information regarding our franchisee or any franchise deal,” said Talwar by adding that we don’t share it with anyone and that’s something which is against brand’s policy.

Globally, Subway is going through a massive transformation under chief executive John Chidsey and is trying to cut costs and reduce headcount as sales have taken hit, added reports.

In May, it was in news that Subway is focusing on US market and is hiring 40,000 employees in 30 days across the country.

Subway is also focusing a lot on digital transformation and has appointed Donagh Herlihy as new Global Chief Digital and Information Officer. In this role, Herlihy is responsible for overseeing the company’s global technology teams and initiatives to deliver modern, timely and effective platforms for Subway franchisees and guests.

On the other hand, Reliance Retail had reported Rs 962 net profit for the first quarter (Q1) of FY22, a jump of 123 percent year-on-year (YoY) as compared to Rs 431 crore reported in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

May Interest: US-based Subway closes more outlets during the pandemic

Today, it is present across multiple verticals including; grocery, consumer electronics, fashion and lifestyle and luxury. Reliance Fresh, SMART, Reliance Digital, Trends, Reliance Jewels, Project Eve, Hamleys are some of the brands in its portfolio.

Sandwich-chain Subway® restaurants have announced Steve Rafferty as Senior Vice President of Development for North America.

Rafferty, who is ex- Dunkin and Donut director, will be responsible for leading the strategic direction for business development, supporting the network of Subway developers and leading growth initiatives for new and existing franchisees.

Also Read: Subway launches campaign to promote fitness

"Steve has the deep experience to successfully lead teams to achieve new franchise recruitment, unit growth, and new market entry goals. His wealth of knowledge, along with his focus on franchisee profitability, make him an ideal leader for Team Subway," said Trevor Haynes, President, Subway, North America.

Rafferty has more than 35 years in franchise business development.

May Interest: US-based Subway closes more outlets during the pandemic

He successfully led growth and optimization strategies at Yum Brands, Burger King, and PepsiCo.

Previous to joining Subway, he was at Dunkin Brands, where he served as Senior Director of U.S. Business Development.

QSR-chain Subway^® has launched a new campaign to encourage people to keep up with their New Year resolution of staying fit and active.

The new film shows people engaged in intense fitness activities that require ample energy and a nutrition-rich diet.  

Urging people to pursue their goals without compromising on nutrition, the campaign film showcases Subway^®India’s refreshing offerings that include freshly baked bread, freshly cut veggies and a wide variety of veg and non-vegfillings. With messages that include ‘Stay Fresh’ and ‘Keep Going’, Subway^® India exhorts everyone to adhere to their fitness goals by eating right to stay fit.

Also Read: US-based Subway closes more outlets during the pandemic

“Subway^® has always been trusted for offering healthier alternatives to people who are looking for a quick bite on-the-go. Through this initiative, we want to emphasize and reiterate that our menu is designed keeping in mind the guests’ aspiration of leading an active lifestyle,” shared Shuchi Monga, Head of Marketing, Subway^®-South Asia.

The campaign film is now live on the brand’s social media accounts and will be broadcast exclusively on leading digital platforms.

Present in over 100 countries, all Subway^® restaurants are owned and operated by almost 21,000 Franchise Owners who employ hundreds of thousands of people globally. Franchise Owners and the company are committed to eliminating hunger by supporting hunger relief programs around the world.

Sandwich-chain Subway has closed about 10% of its restaurants in 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic hit the restaurant business at large.

According to Restaurant Business, it is estimated that the US-based QSR chain has closed 2,200 to 2,400 of the chain’s units last year.

However, it also reported that actual numbers were not available and a comment from Subway noted that the number of permanent closures last year was “lower than your estimate” to the media.

Also Read: Subway lays off 150 employees in US

The Milford, Conn.-based sandwich major has been losing the business for years and closed more than 1,000 locations in both 2018 and 2019. In the five years going into 2020, the chain shrunk by 12% as its franchisees closed more than 3,000 units overall, it reported.

Subway has also announced a partnership with the Broad Street Licensing Group (BSLG) in Mexico to create licensed Subway brand products for sale in supermarkets and coffee shops.

May Interest: Subway India launches ‘Sub of the Day’ across India

The partnership aims to increase the income of the sandwich brand, but no details have been given of how this agreement will work. What is known is that it will cover the categories of food and lifestyle.

The sandwich-chain’s revenue recorded last in 2019 stands at 1,040 crores USD.

SUBWAY^® India has introduced two new SubWraps, Chicken Seekh and Veg Shammi to its menu.

The new additions are available across all restaurants. Current SubWraps, Chicken Slices and Chatpata Chana would continue to be available.

The product is prepared using multigrain tortilla wraps from a healthy mix of whole Wheat, Soybean, Ragi, Oats, Maize, Barley and Black Gram.

In line with the industry trend of a growing demand for snacking products during the pre-lunch, post-lunch and early evening hours, SUBWAY^® has added these entry level new products to encourage trails by new guests.

”last year, SubWraps made a debut on our national menu. This innovative snack continues to be a popular choice for younger guests looking for a tasty snack option. Priced attractively between Rs 59 for vegetarian and Rs 69 for non-vegetarian, the two new SubWrap variants add further variety and choice to our snack menu,” says Sanjiv Pandey, Marketing Manager, South Asia, SUBWAY^®.

Targeted at the young, social media savvy millennial, the SubWrap is being promoted through a comprehensive marketing campaign comprising television commercial (TVC) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEYBG0GUttI), digital and social media. The TVC for the campaign received more than two million views across the digital channels since its launch last week.

As the world’s largest sandwich restaurant chain, SUBWAY^® is acclaimed for its fresh, tasty and wide ranging menu comprising of submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads. Guests are encouraged to create their own delicious subs with the help of the brand’s deft sandwich artists. An array of condiments, sauces, crisp veggies and breads are available for them to choose from.

Global sandwich franchise SUBWAY has launched ‘Keep Discovering’, a 30 second ad as part of a heavy-weight, cross channel campaign.

The new campaign targets to celebrate the brand drive reappraisal and increase frequency within the key millennial target audience.

Earlier, the sandwich chain has launched a campaign called, ‘Stay Picky’ last June encouraging their customers to embrace their inner pickiness as part of a multi-million pound brand investment.

“I am delighted to kick off our new brand revitalisation campaign, with a new energy and a choice message that empowers consumers to keep discovering everything that our menu has to offer only at SUBWAY stores,” shared Greg Madigan, Head of Brand for the SUBWAY in UK and Ireland.

The new direction follows recent research which showed that, though consumers understand the customisation of brand’s offering, they get excited about being offered a range.

To capitalise on this, the new TV creative focuses on playing a range of iconic bestselling subs; Chicken Teriyaki, Steak & Cheese and the Italian B.M.T to showcase the wide range of sandwich options available at the sandwich chain.

To create maximum cut through, the campaign will be supported by a £2.5 million spend with a 400 TVR rating.

And to remain focusing on millennial and young crowd, SUBWAY is testing 100 per cent broadcast to VOD on ITV Player, All 4 and other catch-up channels.

In a first for the brand, a ‘Keep Discovering’ feature led 50 second cinema ad will be screened nationwide in the UK.