How Subway Started

The Early Days and How It Started

In the bustling city of Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965, a remarkable story was about to unfold. A young man named Fred DeLuca, with dreams of becoming a doctor, was searching for a way to fund his education. His family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, suggested a unique idea - opening a submarine sandwich shop. With a $1,000 loan from Buck, DeLuca started "Pete's Super Submarines," and the first chapter of the Subway story was written.

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The goal was ambitious: to open 32 stores within 10 years. However, the journey was not without its challenges. The initial name of the shop led to some confusion with a local radio advertisement - people thought they were promoting "Pizza Marines" instead of "Pete's Submarines." This led to the decision to change the name to something more catchy and less ambiguous. In 1968, "Subway" was born.

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Crazy Stories That Led to Its Formation

Subway's journey is filled with tales of perseverance and innovation. One such story is the creation of their biggest hit, the BMT sandwich. Introduced in 1975, the BMT, which stands for Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest, was named after the Brooklyn Manhattan Transit system. It was a tribute to the city where DeLuca grew up and a clever marketing strategy that resonated with the customers.

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Another interesting tale is the introduction of the footlong sandwich. In the late 1960s, Subway introduced a larger sandwich to compete with local delis. The footlong, a 12-inch sandwich, became a game-changer for Subway, setting them apart from their competition and becoming a signature item on their menu.

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Tales from Later in the Company's Formation

As Subway grew, so did the stories. In 1974, they decided to start franchising as a way to expand and reach their goal of 32 stores. The first franchised Subway shop opened in Wallingford, Connecticut. This was a pivotal moment in Subway's history, marking the beginning of its global expansion.

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Subway's commitment to freshness and innovation led to the introduction of freshly baked bread at U.S. locations in 1983. This move further distinguished Subway from other fast-food chains and reinforced their commitment to providing fresh, delicious food.

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By the 1980s, Subway had become a household name, with locations popping up all over the United States. However, the company didn't stop at the U.S. borders. The first international Subway restaurant opened in Bahrain in 1984, marking the beginning of Subway's global presence.

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Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in Connecticut to its global dominance today, Subway's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a good sandwich. With over 34,000 locations worldwide, Subway has truly made a mark in the fast-food industry. And as they continue to innovate and expand, there's no doubt that the Subway story is far from over.

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