jasdooit

McDonald’s is gaining more ground than its competitors – without making any effort.

That’s because Subway, which has historically been the biggest fast food chain in the US in terms of number of locations, has been operating under the radarclosing branches throughout the nation, shrinking its once-dominant footprint. 

And now,Subway’s challenges in its own country Subway’s difficulties within its local market Subway’s problems in its native environment Subway’s issues on its home ground Subway’s struggles in its domestic arena Subway’s setbacks in its own territory Subway’s troubles in its home region Subway’s challenges in its native land Subway’s difficulties in its local area Subway’s problems on its home soilshow no indication of decelerating, as the sandwich chain reduces its presence in the United States for an astonishing tenth consecutive year.

The chain quietly shut down 729 locations in 2025, resulting in 18,773 restaurants across the country – all operated by franchisees.

That’s a significant decline from its peak in 2015, when Subway had over 27,000 locations throughout the United States. Over the past ten years, it has lost a total of 8,345 stores – a number so substantial it would rank it among the top five largest chains in the country by itself.

Even though there has been a decrease, Subway remains the leading chain in the United States in terms of the number of stores. Starbucks comes in second with 16,860 locations, followed by McDonald’s with 13,706.

Moving forward, the brand is trying to stabilize the situation.

Franchise records indicate intentions toopen approximately 100 new US locations in 2026– although they are not disclosing how many more shutdowns are yet to happen, industry analysts anticipate hundreds more.

At the same time, Subway is relying on affordable snacks to attract customers, introducing a new budget menu.showcasing 15 products – all available for less than $5.

This approach is being implemented by multiple major fast food chains.

McDonald’sintroduced its “Under $3 Menu”– highlighting the chain’s most affordable essentials – on April 21.

McDonald’s enhanced value menu seeks to ‘provide greater selection, more adaptability, and various options to create a meal that suits their schedule and’budgetto clients, as stated in a press release from the fast food corporation.

Morning choices will feature the $1.50 Sausage McMuffin. For lunch and dinner, theUnder $3 Menuwill provide a McChicken, McDouble, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small beverage.

New budget optionswill take the place of the previous buy-one, get-one-for-$1 offer. However, McDonald’s ‘Meal Deals,’ which include a McChicken or McDouble along with a 4-piece McNuggets, fries, and a drink, will continue.

The latest agreements, informally referred to as ‘McValue 2.0,’ aim to attract cost-conscious customers to the restaurant chain, although some remain convinced that the chain is losing ground in terms of customer loyalty.

Meanwhile, Subway has stated that its widespread closures across the US are part of a larger strategy to reinforce the brand – not an indication of pulling back.

‘In the US, Subway isfocused on ensuringRestaurants are situated in optimal locations, featuring prime real estate, high visibility, and efficient operations that help franchisees achieve long-term success,” the company stated. It mentioned that the strategy is already yielding positive outcomes, with internal assessment scores and Google reviews reaching their highest points in two years.

Although the chain reduces its presence domestically, the situation is quite different abroad.

The subway is experiencing rapid global expansion, with over 1,000 new outlets opening worldwide in 2025. Furthermore, there are numerous projects underway, as more than 30 master franchise agreements are expected to result in an impressive 12,000 more restaurants in the years ahead.

The company has been rapidly growing throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and other regions — securing partnerships in nations such as Sweden, Spain, South Korea, and Qatar, with new contracts signed in Panama and Taiwan this year. In total, Subway now operates over 35,000 restaurants worldwide.

Returning to its home country, the chain is also focusing on delivery services and store improvements to boost expansion. Executives mention that third-party delivery is increasing rapidly, while more affordable, updated renovations are helping restaurants appear new and improved as part of its ‘Fresh Forward’ transformation.

In the future, Subway plans to focus more on new menu offerings, drink collaborations, and enhanced customer service in an effort toregain customer loyalty and increase profits for franchise owners.

The organization has also experienced significant internal transformations. Established in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck, Subway stayed under family ownership for many years until it was acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital in 2024 for an estimated $9.6 billion.

In another significant change, the chain appointed industry expert Jonathan Fitzpatrick as its new CEO in July—a former top executive at Burger King—as it aims to guide the company into its next phase.

Read more