Largest Fast Food Restaurant Chain Subway Closes Over 700 Locations
The largest fast food restaurant chain in the United States has closed over 700 stores in the past year alone.
It reached a peak of more than 27,000 stores in 2015. However, between 2016 and 2025, the chain closed a net of 8,345 restaurants – that figure alone would rank among the top five biggest chains in America.
That chain? Subway.
Subway Closes 729 Locations in 2025
For the 10th consecutive year, Subway's store count in the United States declined.
The sandwich giant shuttered another 729 locations in 2025, which was its largest drop in store count since 2021 when it closed a staggering 1,043 locations.
Despite its hefty losses in the past decade, Subway remains the largest fast food chain in the United States in terms of storefronts with 16,860 shops. McDonald's is next with 13,706 restaurants.
Subway plans to open 100 new locations in 2026, but didn't provide how many potential closures will take place within the calendar year.
"In the U.S., Subway is focused on ensuring restaurants are in the right locations with the real estate, visibility and operations that set franchisees up to succeed long-term," Subway said in provided to QSR. "That work is paying off. Operational improvements are showing up across the system, with restaurant evaluation scores and Google review scores both climbing to their highest levels in two years."
How did Subway Get Its Start?
Subway started in Connecticut in 1965.
The company "began in 1965 when 17-year-old Fred DeLuca asked his family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, a nuclear physicist, for advice on how to pay his college tuition. With an idea to open a submarine sandwich shop and an initial $1,000 investment from Dr. Buck, the two formed a business partnership that would ultimately change the landscape of the quick service restaurant industry," Subway's website says.
The chain remained family owned until 2024 when private equity firm Roark Capital purchased the chain for a reported $9.6 billion.
Related: Popular Clothing Retailer Closing 150 Locations
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 10, 2026 at 6:31 AM.