Subway is a lunchtime staple. We doubt there’s any Canadian that hasn’t relied on this classic at some point or another. Maybe you were a teenager, loitering at the mall and trading gossip at the food court. Or what about your first job, when your mom officially stopped making your lunches, and you had to fend for yourself?
Whether Subway was a fixture in your weekly routine or your occasional not-so-guilty pleasure, there’s always something on their menu for every sandwich lover to enjoy. So let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the origin story of Canada’s favourite lunch spot. Then we’ll tell you what they’re up to now!
How it started
Who doesn’t love a good origin story? Superman, Wolverine – Subway! You may have grown up with subs for lunch, but did you know how it all started?
Like most stories from the era of tie-dye, The Beatles, and affordable housing, Subway got its start in 1965 with a bright idea and a handshake.
17-year-old Fred DeLuca opened the very first Subway sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his partner and family friend, Dr. Peter Buck. Their focus was on serving fresh and customizable sandwiches to locals that were affordable and delicious.
By 1974, the pair had 16 sandwich shops throughout Connecticut and decided to begin franchising to take it to the next level, including its first Canadian location in St. John’s Newfoundland in 1986. This led to a period of incredible growth and the rest, as they say, is history.
How it’s going
Today, Subway is one of the world’s largest names in the restaurant biz, serving yummy sandwiches, wraps, and salads to millions of guests across over 100 countries. That’s a pretty epic glow-up.
Fresh flavours and amazing service are cornerstones of the brand, along with a passion for innovation. Subway is always exploring how they can improve things, leading to some pretty tasty introductions.
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Everything Bread
Think of your fav Everything bagel, but way better because it’s a whole sandwich. It’s the delicious herbs you know meet Subway’s classic Italian bread for a loaf that’s got it all. The Everything Bread is only available for a limited time, so we’d recommend hightailing it for lunch to try it while you can.
Birthday Cake Cookie
What do you get the person who has everything? Something edible and delicious, of course. This brand-new cookie is made with birthday cake-flavoured dough, colourful sprinkles, white confectionery chips, and all the ooey, gooey chewiness Subway cookies are known for. It’s only available for a limited time, so maybe just celebrate everyone’s birthday early – who would say no to a cookie?
Fanny Pack
A fanny pack? No way!
Yes way. Subway is releasing a limited edition accessory. If you love sandwiches and swag, then this is your match made in heaven. It’s also exactly a foot long. So while we’re not saying you should hide an extra sandwich in there for when you get hungry… you totally could.
More to come for National Sandwich Day… Be sure to keep a lookout!
Is it lunchtime yet?
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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