Subway Closes Over 600 U.S. Stores in 2024 – What’s Really Happening?

Subway Closes Over 600 U.S. Stores in 2024 – What’s Really Happening?

Subway, the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. by store count, is making major changes—and not all of them are good news.

According to recent franchise reports, Subway has dropped below 20,000 locations in the U.S. for the first time in two decades. In 2024 alone, the sandwich giant shut down 631 stores across the country. Despite these closures, Subway still holds the title of the largest chain in America.

So, what’s going on?

Why Subway Is Closing Locations

Subway has been shrinking in the U.S. for the past eight years. While it’s losing ground at home, the brand is still expanding globally. There are now over 37,000 Subway locations worldwide, and the company says international growth is strong.

In a recent statement, Subway explained that it’s taking a “data-driven approach” to evaluate store performance. The goal? Make sure each location is in the right spot, has the right layout, and is run by the right people. That means some underperforming stores will close, while others might move or be redesigned.

What Happened to the $6.99 Meal Deal?

Subway also made headlines late in 2024 when it canceled its $6.99 Meal Deal. The offer included a six-inch sub, a drink, and chips or cookies. Despite a test run that showed promise, the deal didn’t catch on nationally and was pulled just a few weeks after launch.

The company says it’s always testing new deals to balance value for customers with profitability for franchisees.

A Wider Trend in Retail

Subway isn’t alone. Big names like JCPenney are also closing stores in 2025, although JCPenney called their closures “isolated” and unrelated to their merger with the SPARC Group. Still, the trend shows that even legacy brands are feeling pressure to adapt or shrink.

Subway’s strategy might be a sign of the times—fewer locations, smarter growth, and a focus on long-term success over short-term numbers. While losing stores sounds alarming, it may be what the company needs to keep its edge in a tough food market.

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