MILFORD, Conn. -- By the end of 2007, the Subway chain added more than 2,000 new franchises—many in convenience stores, gas stations, truckstops and travel centers—bringing the total of open and operating restaurants past the 28,500 mark. That's the equivalent of adding more than 2.4 million square feet of retail space with a total of 34 million square feet occupied worldwide, the company said.
Milestones for 2007 included reaching 21,000 U.S. locations with 1,900 units in California, 1,000 in Illinois and New York, 600 in Virginia, 500 in Tennessee and 300 in Connecticut. [image-nocss] Internationally, the Subway chain increased its number of locations to 7,300. This includes 2,300 stores in Canada, with 800 locations in the province of Ontario; 2,000 across Europe; 1,000 in Australia and the United Kingdom (with 273 new stores opening within 12 months); 500 throughout Asia; 500 in Germany; 100 in Brazil, India and Venezuela; and 50 stores each in France and the Netherlands.
On the nontraditional front—places where you might find a Subway restaurant other than the typical shopping center or mall, such as at airports, grocery stores, hotels, retail stores and train stations, the chain added more than 500 locations around the world. This brought the total number of non-traditional units to more than 6,500, which includes 3,500 Subway restaurants inside c-stores, 1,400 inside Wal-Mart stores, 250 on college campuses, 230 on military bases, and 130 Subway restaurants inside hospitals and medical centers.
Subway also made a commitment to make its restaurants and operations more environmentally friendly by launching its sustainability platform in 2007. This platform, with an emphasis on reducing, reusing and recycling, includes initiatives that effect how certain products used at the store level are manufactured and distributed.
In addition, the Subway chain's first Eco-store opened for business in 2007, in collaboration with the US Green Building Council. Located in Kissimmee, Fla., the store features high-efficiency equipment, lighting and water fixtures. Built with construction and décor materials made from sustainable and recycled materials, the store was designed as a learning laboratory for the chain's franchisees who wish to make a more positive impact on the environment.
In 2007, the Subway chain introduced its Fresh Fit "better for you" meals for kids and adults, developed to fit in with the American Heart Association's approach to a healthy lifestyle.
The Subway chain took further steps to adapt its menu and open outlets that cater to Jewish and Muslim consumers who strictly follow their religious dietary traditions. In 2007 the chain opened six new kosher stores located in and around New York City, northern New Jersey, Kansas City and Los Angeles; and 38 halal stores in the United Kingdom. The chain has received many inquires regarding these types of locations from prospective franchisees and more are in the planning stage with intentions to open in 2008.
For a breakdown of new U.S. and Canadian c-store, gas station, truckstop and travel center Subway locations that opened in 2007, click the Download Now button, below.
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