Global sandwich chain Subway has crossed a significant expansion milestone in India with the opening of its 1,000th restaurant, underscoring the country’s growing role in the brand’s international growth strategy. The latest outlet, located at Paras Florett in Gurugram, reflects the brand’s steady and sustained scale-up in one of the world’s most competitive foodservice markets.
Subway’s India operations are managed by EverBrands, part of the Everstone Group. Since entering a new growth phase following the partnership in 2021, the brand has expanded rapidly from a base of about 700 stores. Over the past three years alone, Subway has added close to two outlets every week, taking its footprint to more than 165 cities and generating employment for over 3,500 people across its network.
Unlike many quick service brands that rely heavily on malls or destination formats, Subway’s expansion strategy in India has focused on accessibility. A large share of new outlets are located in neighbourhood high streets, mixed-use developments, office clusters, and residential catchments, positioning the brand as a frequent, everyday dining option rather than an occasional indulgence. This approach has helped drive repeat consumption across meals such as workday lunches and convenient dinners.
The brand has also built a selective presence in airports, transit hubs, educational institutions, and corporate campuses, where consistent footfall and defined demand patterns support operational efficiency. Menu localisation and pricing flexibility have further aided growth, allowing Subway to cater to diverse regional tastes while maintaining its global positioning around freshness and customisation.
India has become increasingly important for Subway as some mature markets have seen store rationalisation. Strong franchise interest, rising urbanisation, and a young consumer base continue to support expansion. Looking ahead, Subway plans to nearly double its India footprint over the next five to six years, with a continued focus on emerging cities and neighbourhood-led formats.
The 1,000-store milestone signals not an endpoint, but a transition into the brand’s next phase of growth in India’s fast-evolving foodservice landscape.
