Key Investment Facts
[LAST UPDATED: Aug 16, 2026] · [VERIFIED · FDD]
About Subway
Global submarine sandwich chain with customizable fresh subs.
Training Program: 2 weeks of initial training included.
Tags: sandwiches, low-cost, global
Full FDD Analysis + 5-Year ROI Model for Subway
Unlock the complete investment picture for Subway:
- FDD Items 5, 6, 7, 19, 20 & 21 fully decoded
- 5-year P&L, break-even, and ROI projections seeded from this franchise's real FDD
- Risk scorecard: turnover, failure rate, fee burden, territory — color-coded
- Unit-count history, Item 20 turnover, and growth trend (where disclosed)
- Red flags & due-diligence checklist
- PDF export for offline review
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FDD Item 7 — Initial Investment Breakdown
Sourced directly from the franchisor's Franchise Disclosure Document under Item 7. The full per-line breakdown including buildout, equipment, working capital and any excluded expenses is in the table below.
Detailed Item 7 investment breakdown is not yet published for this franchise. Refer to the current FDD for the complete line-item investment costs.
FDD Item 6 — Ongoing Royalty & Ad Fund
Recurring fee burden disclosed under FDD Item 6. Royalty + ad fund rates are charged as a percentage of gross revenue and directly compress operator margin.
Item 6 ongoing-fee schedule for this franchise has not been catalogued yet. Consult the most recent FDD for current royalty + ad fund rates.
Territory Availability
Territory terms, exclusivity, and population coverage are disclosed in the FDD Item 12.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subway
How much does it cost to open a Subway franchise?
The total initial investment for a Subway franchise ranges from $229K to $524K. This includes the franchise fee of $15K, plus buildout, equipment, inventory, and working capital. Ongoing royalty fees are 8.00% of gross revenue. Always request the current Franchise Disclosure Document for exact, up-to-date figures.
Is Subway a good franchise to buy in 2026?
Subway operates in the Food & Restaurant sector with 36,690 total units. Franchisee satisfaction is rated 55/100. Whether it's a good investment depends on your market, capital, and goals. We recommend using our AI Financial Model tool to project personalized returns before making a decision.
Can I run a Subway franchise as a semi-absentee owner?
Subway typically operates under a owner-operator model. Owner-operators are expected to be involved in daily management. This hands-on model usually offers more control over operations and customer experience but requires a greater time commitment.
What is the failure rate for Subway franchises?
The reported failure rate for Subway is 8.00%. Failure rates vary by market and operator experience. Always review Item 20 of the FDD, which discloses franchisee turnover, transfers, and terminations over the past three years.
How does Subway compare to other Food & Restaurant franchises?
Subway competes with other brands in the Food & Restaurant space. Key differentiators include investment level ($229K to $524K), franchisee satisfaction (55/100), and the owner-operator operating model. Use our franchise comparison tool to see side-by-side data against specific competitors.
How long does it take to break even on a Subway franchise?
Based on Subway's disclosed minimum investment ($229K) and an $420K average unit revenue (FDD Item 19 — historical, not a guarantee), a rough estimate is 3.6 years to recoup initial capital at a 15% net margin. This is an estimate only and does not account for ramp-up, debt service, or local market factors.
What's the owner satisfaction score for Subway?
Subway's owner satisfaction is rated 55/100, sourced from our internal franchisee satisfaction dataset. A middle-of-the-road score — many operators are satisfied but a meaningful minority report challenges.
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