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Subway

Subway Franchise Cost & Facts · Food & Beverage

A Subway franchise costs $239K – $537K in total initial investment, with an initial franchise fee of $15K, across 20,576 locations. See the full Subway fees, royalty, and Franchise Disclosure Document below.

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Food & BeverageFounded 1991· 35 yrs20,576 unitssubway.com
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Total Investment

$239K – $537K

Franchise Fee

$15K

Unit Count

20,576

Year Founded

1991

Overview

Why Subway?

Subway is a food & beverage brand with over 35 years of operating history and 20,576 active locations. The full Franchise Disclosure Document, including unit-level financials, territory terms, training requirements, and franchisee obligations, is available on request.

The Numbers

Investment & Fees

Total initial investment
$239K – $537K
Initial franchise fee
$15K
Royalty fee
Available on request
Ad / marketing fee
Available on request

Regulatory Filings

FDDs on file

2025202420232022202120202019

Latest FDD on file: 2025. Request the document below to see Item 19 financial performance, Item 7 estimated initial investment, and territory disclosures.

Who's Operating It

6,471 franchisees of Subway

2,858 multi-unit operators16,654 units operated by franchisees
See all 6,471 Subway franchisees

Why every serious buyer requests the FDD

The Franchise Disclosure Document is the single most important piece of paperwork in your due diligence. It's federally mandated and contains everything a franchisor is required to share before you sign.

  • Item 7: full breakdown of your real startup costs
  • Item 19: actual unit-level revenue performance
  • Item 20: franchisee count, openings, closures, transfers
  • Item 21: audited financial statements

Frequently Asked

Subway franchise FAQ

Is Subway a franchise?

Yes. Subway is a franchise in the food & beverage category, which means you can own and operate a Subway location under a franchise agreement with the franchisor. The total initial investment to open one ranges from $239K – $537K. The franchisor provides the brand, systems, and ongoing support in exchange for an initial franchise fee and royalties, all disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

How much does it cost to open a Subway franchise?

Total initial investment to open a Subway franchise ranges from $239K – $537K according to the latest Franchise Disclosure Document. The actual cost depends on territory, build-out, and local market conditions. Request the full FDD on this page for Item 7's full investment breakdown.

What is the Subway franchise fee?

The Subway initial franchise fee is $15K, paid to the franchisor at signing. This is separate from total investment and does not include build-out, equipment, or working capital.

How many Subway franchise locations are there?

Subway operates 20,576 active locations as of the most recent FDD filing. Request the latest FDD for state-by-state distribution and openings/closures from Item 20.

When was Subway founded?

Subway was founded in 1991, giving the brand 35 years of operating history. Brand longevity matters in franchising because it correlates with refined operations, established supplier relationships, and a tested franchisee playbook.

Is a Subway franchise profitable?

Subway unit-level profitability depends on location, operating costs, staffing, and management. When a franchisor makes an earnings claim, it appears in Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, the only place franchise financial performance is officially disclosed. Request the Subway FDD on this page to review any Item 19 financial performance representation.

How do I apply for a Subway franchise opportunity?

Submit a request through this page to receive the Subway Franchise Disclosure Document. The FDD contains everything you need to evaluate the opportunity: Item 7 investment, Item 19 financial performance, Item 20 unit counts and franchisee turnover, and Item 21 audited financials. There is no cost or obligation to request the FDD.

Where can I get the Subway FDD?

The current Subway FDD can be requested directly through this page. Franchise Disclosure Documents are federally regulated by the FTC and must be provided to prospective franchisees at least 14 days before signing any binding agreement or paying any fee.

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