Franchising Opportunities

Universal appeal

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With over 1,500 stores in the UK and Ireland and more than 37,000 stores in 100 countries, the SUBWAY brand is now the largest quick service food outlet in the world. The low investment, simple operation and unparalleled support make a SUBWAY franchise an attractive proposition for entrepreneurs across the world - and the franchise is currently seeking new franchisees.

The SUBWAY brand has its origins with Fred DeLuca, president and co-founder, who has led the company’s development since he started his first shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut during the summer of 1965 with a $1,000 loan from family friend Dr Peter Buck. The entrepreneurial pair set themselves an initial target of 32 stores within 10 years and, in an effort to reach their goal, decided the best way to expand the business was to begin franchising and give others the opportunity to succeed in their own business venture. The first SUBWAY franchise opened in the US in 1974, changing the way the brand did business and creating a highly attractive franchise option with universal appeal.

Simplicity

The concept is to keep franchisee investment low, the operation simple and offer customers fresh, great tasting food. There is no need for grills and fryers in a SUBWAY store and because of the simplicity of the operation there is an adaptable approach to the physical layout of the outlets.

SUBWAY franchisees benefit from operating in a tried and tested system with great training and a solid support structure. There are 20 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 and local store marketing. In addition, the head office for the SUBWAY brand in the UK and Ireland is based in Cambridge, with a local team of support staff focused on operations, leasing, R&D, customer service, training and franchisee services.

This high level of training and support is available to franchisees and their staff, regardless of how long they have been involved in the business. In addition to face to face training, the brand also runs the University of SUBWAY - a well established online training programme coordinated by the worldwide headquarters in Connecticut, USA. Offering over 700 online courses for store staff and managers, the university has delivered training for over 5.5 million participants.

Security

“Joining a franchise may seem restrictive for some entrepreneurs or those wanting to make their own mark, but for the majority of business people they can clearly see the opportunities that the model provides, combined with the security of operating in a proven environment,” says Trevor Haynes, area development manager for SUBWAY UK and Ireland.

“The opportunities aren’t necessarily just on the high street either. The SUBWAY brand plans to treble the number of stores in non-traditional locations, such as within convenience stores, on petrol station forecourts, on university campuses and at transport hubs, by 2016.” 

Entrepreneurial spirit

Contributing to the success of the SUBWAY brand is the fact it continues to keep start-up costs low and seeks ambitious franchisees who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. One such franchisee is Bob Moodliar, who owns 11 stores.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO INVEST IN A SUBWAY FRANCHISE?

It is a simple concept with popular appeal and great product. The SUBWAY brand has low upfront investment compared to other similar franchises and investors are usually ready to lend because it is a proven business model. This helps to create positive cash flow from day one.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE BECOMING A FRANCHISEE?

I used to be a director in various roles for Tesco, Whitbread and Tchibo. In my last role I was responsible for transplanting a brand new operation in the UK from Germany. I opened 80 standalone stores and over 250 concessions in Sainsbury’s and other outlets.

HOW MANY STORES DO YOU HAVE AND HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU EMPLOY?

We currently have 11 stores and have another three that we are in the process of opening. In total, we employ over 150 local people at our stores.

How have the customers changed over the years and how have you adapted to these changes?

We opened our first store at the start of the recession, which was a difficult time for all businesses, with customers having less money to spend. However, we are now beginning to see good pick up with a range of customers, with an increase in an older demographic and families enjoying the great food a SUBWAY store offers.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Myself and my business partner have set ourselves an initial target of opening 30 stores.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THINKING OF BUYING THEIR FIRST FRANCHISE?

Having your own business means the buck stops with you. Think very carefully and make sure you know the pitfalls as well as the potential rewards before taking the plunge with a franchise. You need to make sure you have real commitment, dedication and determination in order to cross every hurdle.

It is important you have the full support of your family and your financial backers. Always surround yourself with a network of experts, including an accountant, lawyer and advisers who may be other franchisees and businessmen. These people will be able to open doors for you and make things happen. Don’t be too proud to ask for help when you need it - the SUBWAY brand has a fantastic support system.

The key att ributes of a successful franchisee are well known:

• Good motivator.
• Possess business acumen and awareness.
• Organised.
• Effective time management skills.
• Aticulate.
• People person.
• Good listener.
• Effective communicator.
• Professional in outlook and appearance.
• Open to advice and guidance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

• For an international brand, such as the SUBWAY brand, there is plenty of advice available for local entrepreneurs who are interested in joining the franchise. New franchisees are invited to attend local seminars or talk to their local development agents and field consultants across the UK who are experts in their area and have considerable knowledge of the opportunities available and how to make the most of them.
• For further information on the SUBWAY brand, including the latest franchise opportunities, visit www.subway.co.uk/business.
  Tel: 0800 0855 058 (UK) or 1800 413 076 (Eire).
  Email: franchiseopportunities@subway.co.uk.

Quick service food outlet

The SUBWAY® chain is the largest specialist sandwich maker in the UK & Ireland with over 1,500 stores and over 33,000 stores in 91 countries worldwide. Stores offer customers a delicious range of Subs made just the way they want it. The concept is to keep franchisee investment low, the operation simple and offer customers great tasting food. There is no need for grills and fryers and because of the simplicity of the operation, there is an adaptable approach to the physical layout of the outlets

The SUBWAY brand is one of the UK’s most popular franchise opportunities, with over 1,500 stores in the UK and Ireland. The business is currently seeking to expand and recruit new franchisees. Worldwide, there are more than 36,000 SUBWAY stores in 100 countries.

The concept is to keep franchisee investment low, the operation simple and offer customers fresh, great tasting food. There is no need for grills and fryers in a SUBWAY store and because of the simplicity of the operation there is an adaptable approach to the physical layout of the outlets.

STRENGTH

Providing first class training and a development structure for franchisees and store managers is a real strength of the SUBWAY brand. This high level of training and support is available to franchisees and their staff, regardless of how long they have been involved in the business.

In addition to face-to-face training, the SUBWAY brand also runs the University of SUBWAY - a wellestablished online training programme coordinated by the company’s worldwide headquarters in Connecticut, USA. Offering over 700 online courses for store staff and managers, the university has delivered training for over 5.5 million participants.

An integral part of the success of the SUBWAY brand are the hundreds of SUBWAY franchisees, entrepreneurs who provide great examples of local businesses supporting community initiatives and creating job opportunities.

One such franchisee is Chris Scott, who owns six stores in South Wales - four in Swansea, one in Abergavenny and one in Rumney, Cardiff. Chris answers our questions on why franchising is for him and gives examples of his experiences with the SUBWAY brand:

HOW DID YOU RAISE THE FINANCE?

I released equity in a property I owned. Buying into a franchise with my business partner meant my investment was reduced to half of what it could have been.

WHAT TRAINING AND SUPPORT DID YOU RECEIVE INITIALLY AND ONGOING?

I went to the world headquarters of the SUBWAY brand in Milford, Connecticut before opening my first store. There I received an overview of all aspects of operating a SUBWAY store and running a business.

On my return from the US, a field consultant from the local development office came to help with the initial opening of our first store - spending nearly a week with us. The team from the SUBWAY development office has been fantastic in helping us build and open each of our stores. They can provide support on everything from lease negotiations to store design and equipment orders. And still, over seven years since opening my first store, ongoing training and assistance is always available.

HAS BECOMING A FRANCHISEE CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Running my own business is one of the most rewarding things I have done. I have met some great people who have taught me so much about business. I have also been fortunate to get the opportunity to help shape the way that the SUBWAY brand operates in the UK through my work with mystery shoppers and strategic planning groups on a regional and national basis.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE THINKING OF BUYING THEIR FIRST FRANCHISE?

Make sure that a franchise is the right business model for you. Speak with other franchisees and get some first-hand experience of working in a store - when your first store opens you will need to work there night and day to ensure it is a success and to learn the business inside out.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

Definitely. Running your own business is completely different from working for someone else and I really enjoy that you are always learning new things along the way.