McDonald’s has edged closer to dominating the US fast-food landscape following the shuttering of hundreds of locations by its primary rival.
Subway currently holds the top spot in the States with close to 19,000 eateries nationwide. McDonald’s lags behind with under 14,000 establishments. However, Subway discreetly closed 729 outlets last year.
The sandwich chain, with 18,773 locations across the USA—all operated by franchisees—saw this reduction as part of a strategic maneuver, according to a company spokesperson’s statement to the Daily Mail. Although this quick-service titan maintains its lead in the US market share by location count, these recent closures reflect a substantial downsizing over the last ten years.
Back in 2015, Subway boasted more than 27,000 cafes across the country. Since then, that figure has dropped by over 8,000 locations. In 2024, the company was acquired by the private equity firm Roark Capital for approximately $9.6 billion. Last July, they appointed industry veteran John Chidsey as the new CEO, succeeding Jonathan Fitzpatrick, who held senior roles at Burger King.
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Similar to numerous other quick-service franchises, Subway is focusing heavily on affordability to retain its customer base. McDonald’s is setting the pace for value through its well-liked Meal Deal combinations and a revamped budget menu featuring items under $3, such as the Sausage McMuffin or a four-piece Chicken McNuggets. Both Subway and McDonald’s are also leveraging unique beverage offerings to attract younger demographics.
Meanwhile, Subway is experiencing international expansion, opening more than a thousand new venues globally last year. There are projected openings for an additional 12,000 restaurants in the coming years. The chain currently operates over 35,000 spots worldwide, spanning regions including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
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