Over the next 5–6 years, Subway plans to significantly expand its presence in India by doubling its store count from 850 to 1,700. John Chidsey, the global CEO of Subway, highlighted India as one of the brand’s key growth markets globally, ranking as the second-largest market in terms of store openings.
“India is an incredibly important market for Subway. We feel the opportunity here for Subway is greater than in any other market,” Chidsey said. He attributed the growth potential to India’s young and economically advancing population, which is increasingly focused on convenience, health, and fresh products, aligning well with Subway’s offerings.
Chidsey noted that the brand’s success in India has been driven by regional menu customizations, a strategy Subway plans to continue and expand. “We have a barbell menu strategy with value products on one end and premium options on the other, catering to a broad audience, including tier II and tier III cities,” he explained.
In addition to expanding its footprint, Subway is introducing new menu options in India, including Sub Cravers, Crispers, and Hot and Cheesy Signature Subs. To further tap into the growing market, the brand is preparing to launch a breakfast menu and is testing 20–30 new items set to debut in the coming quarters.
With over 37,000 outlets globally, Subway aims to leverage India’s growth and evolving consumer preferences to enhance its foothold in the fast-growing QSR sector.