Subway Closes More Stores, Stays No. 1 in U.S.

Subway, formerly the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. with over 27,000 locations, has closed 631 stores in 2024, dropping its U.S. presence below 20,000 locations for the first time in nearly twenty years. Since 2015, Subway has shuttered about 7,600 U.S. stores but still holds the top spot among U.S. restaurant brands, ahead of Starbucks and McDonald’s. The company is implementing a 'smart growth' strategy, closing or relocating underperforming stores while expanding internationally, with a global footprint of nearly 37,000 restaurants and plans for 10,000 new international locations. Subway has also introduced its 'Fresh Forward 2.0' prototype in over 20,000 restaurants to modernize its brand. Industry experts highlight that rising prices and growing competition—from both fast-casual chains and rivals like Jersey Mike’s, now owned by Blackstone and set for rapid growth—are pressuring traditional quick-service brands. The broader industry faces challenges as consumers increasingly weigh price, value, and experience.