Subway Fresh Forward store

Fast food giant Subway is on track to open double the number of outlets globally this year as it did in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.

This year’s expansion comes after Subway agreed more than 20 master franchise agreements over the past three years, adding up to more than 10,000 new restaurants. Seven of 20 agreements were signed this year, including plans to open in Paraguay and Mongolia for the first time.

This year’s deals also include plans to significantly expand its presence across France, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Belgium, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Brazil, El Salvador and Guatemala.

Subway said it was expecting to sign even more master franchise agreements before the end of the year.

Subway franchises currently span across more than 100 countries, with a total estate of 37,000 globally. The business was acquired by Roark Capital in April 2024 for a reported £7.3bn.

“Subway’s global growth strategy of partnering with well-resourced, experienced multi-unit operators is proving to be successful,” said Subway global chief development officer Mike Kehoe.

“By working with the right partners, we are making significant strides in modernising our brand image with both new and remodelled restaurants, improving our overall guest experience, and growing digital sales.”