Subway Analysis: A Comprehensive Guide for Business Students

Subway is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Dr Peter Buck, Subway has grown to become one of the largest restaurant chains in the world, with over 41,000 locations in more than 100 countries.

Understanding company analysis is essential for business students as it helps them gain a deeper understanding of how a company operates and its competitive position in the market. By analyzing a company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, students can develop a comprehensive understanding of the company and its prospects for future growth.

Company Profile

Company history

 Subway was founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck. The first Subway restaurant opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and served only sandwiches. Over the years, Subway has expanded its menu to include salads, breakfast items, and sides. Today, Subway is one of the largest fast-food restaurant chains in the world, with over 41,000 locations in more than 100 countries.

Vision, mission, and core values

 Subway’s vision is to be the number one quick-service restaurant chain in the world, while its mission is to delight every customer so they want to tell their friends. Subway’s core values include providing excellent customer service, offering high-quality food, and creating a positive work environment for employees.

Products and services

 Subway is known for its made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Customers can choose from a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and vegetables to create their own custom sandwich. In addition to sandwiches and salads, Subway also offers breakfast items, sides, and beverages.

Industry and market position

Subway operates in the highly competitive fast-food industry. The company’s main competitors include other fast-food restaurant chains such as McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King. Despite intense competition, Subway has been able to maintain a strong market position through its focus on healthy and fresh ingredients, as well as its low prices.

Key competitors

 Subway’s main competitors in the fast-food industry include McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King. McDonald’s is the largest fast-food chain in the world, with over 37,000 locations in more than 100 countries. KFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, operates over 24,000 locations worldwide. Burger King, which is owned by Restaurant Brands International, has over 18,000 locations in more than 100 countries.

SWOT Analysis on Subway

Strengths

1. Strong brand recognition and reputation worldwide
2. Wide range of menu options catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs
3. Affordable prices and promotions
4. Established franchise system with over 41,000 locations in more than 100 countries
5. High focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives

Weaknesses

1. Perception of low-quality ingredients and lack of freshness by some consumers
2. Dependence on franchisees for store operations and consistency in customer experience
3. Limited innovation in menu offerings and brand image compared to competitors
4. Negative impact of food scandals and health concerns on brand reputation
5. High employee turnover and training costs

Opportunities

1. Expansion into emerging markets with growing consumer demand
2. Introduction of new menu options and formats such as plant-based and drive-thru locations
3. Increased use of technology and digital marketing to reach younger and more tech-savvy consumers
4. Potential partnerships and collaborations with popular brands and influencers
5. Implementation of more sustainable practices in the supply chain and store operations

Threats

1. Intense competition from fast-food and quick-service restaurant chains
2. Health and wellness trends leading to decreased demand for fast food
3. Changes in consumer behavior and preferences towards healthier and more sustainable options
4. Fluctuations in commodity prices and supply chain disruptions
5. Government regulations and policies on food safety and labor practices.

Noteworthy research papers on Subway

1. “Fast food restaurant chain Subway: An analysis of the issues and opportunities faced by the company” by Hui Li, 2019.
2. “How Subway conquered the fast food world” by Venessa Wong, 2014.
3. “Marketing strategies of Subway” by Swapnil Dubey, 2019.

Essay Titles on Subway

1. Subway: The Rise of a Fast Food Giant
2. A Critical Analysis of Subway’s Marketing Strategy
3. The Subway Controversy: A Case Study in Crisis Management

 Research Topics on Subway

1. The Impact of Subway’s Marketing Campaigns on Consumer Behavior”
2. Subway’s Expansion into International Markets: Successes and Challenges
3. Analyzing Subway’s Supply Chain Management Strategies
4. The Effect of Healthy Fast Food Options on Consumer Preferences: A Study of Subway
5. Examining Subway’s Employee Training and Development Programs”

Frequently asked questions about Subway:

1. What is Subway?

 Subway is a fast-food restaurant chain that primarily serves sandwiches and salads.

2. When was Subway founded?

Subway was founded in 1965 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

3. What types of sandwiches does Subway offer?

Subway offers a wide variety of sandwiches including turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna, and veggie options. Customers can customize their sandwiches with different toppings, sauces, and bread options.

4. Does Subway offer catering services?

Yes, Subway offers catering services for events such as meetings, parties, and gatherings.

5. Does Subway have any healthy options?

Yes, Subway offers several healthy options including their Fresh Fit menu, which features low-fat and low-calorie sandwich options.

6. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options at Subway?

Yes, Subway offers several vegetarian and vegan options including the Veggie Delite and Beyond Meatball sandwich.

7. How many Subway restaurants are there worldwide?

As of 2021, there are over 41,000 Subway restaurants in over 100 countries worldwide.

8. Does Subway offer any loyalty programs or rewards?

Yes, Subway offers a loyalty program called Subway MyWay Rewards, which allows customers to earn points for purchases that can be redeemed for free food and other rewards.

9. Does Subway offer delivery services?

Yes, Subway offers delivery services through third-party delivery services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub.

10. Does Subway have any partnerships or sponsorships? Subway has had several partnerships and sponsorships over the years, including partnerships with the American Heart Association, Coca-Cola, and the NFL.

In conclusion

Subway is a well-known fast-food chain that has been successful in the industry for several decades. Through this comprehensive guide, we have covered the company’s history, products and services, vision, mission, and core values, industry and market position, key competitors, as well as conducted a SWOT analysis, providing valuable insights into the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We also discussed some noteworthy research papers on Subway, essay titles related to the company, frequently asked questions, and research topics for further exploration.

For business students, it is essential to understand company analysis to gain a better understanding of how a company operates in the industry and its potential for growth and success. Through analyzing companies such as Subway, students can learn valuable skills and knowledge that can help them in their future careers.

For further reading, we recommend the following books and articles:

1. “Start Small, Finish Big: Fifteen Key Lessons to Start – and Run – Your Own Successful Business” by Fred DeLuca, the founder of Subway.
2. “The Subway Effect: How Franchising Can Create a Better American Future” by Dr. Tony W. Lingham and Debbie Allen.
3. “Subway: The Store That Made a Sandwich Famous” by Len Testa and Bob Sehlinger.
4. “The Subway Diet: How I Lost 245 Pounds in 14 Months by Eating Sandwiches!” by Jared Fogle.