zaro

What was Subway's original name?

Published in Restaurant History 2 mins read

Subway's original name was Pete's Super Submarines. This iconic restaurant chain began its journey with a different identity before evolving into the global brand known today.

The Genesis of a Sandwich Empire

The foundation of what would become Subway was laid in 1965 when Fred DeLuca, then just 17 years old, opened a submarine sandwich shop. The venture was made possible with a $1,000 loan from family friend Dr. Peter Buck, which financed the initial operations.

  • Founders: Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck
  • Original Name: Pete's Super Submarines
  • Founding Year: 1965
  • Original Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut

Evolution and Renaming

After its inception as Pete's Super Submarines, the business underwent several name changes over its early years. This evolution reflected the growth and strategic shifts of the burgeoning enterprise. Ultimately, the name was simplified and standardized to Subway in 1972, marking a significant step towards its future brand recognition.

The Path to Franchising

The establishment of the "Subway" name paved the way for broader expansion. A critical turning point was the adoption of a franchise model, which allowed the restaurant to scale rapidly beyond its initial locations. The first Subway franchise operation began just two years after its final name change.

Here's a quick timeline of key milestones:

Year Event
1965 Founded as Pete's Super Submarines by Fred DeLuca and financed by Peter Buck in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
1972 Renamed Subway after several earlier name changes.
1974 The first franchise operation began, with a second restaurant opening in Wallingford, Connecticut.

This strategic move into franchising transformed Subway from a local sandwich shop into a widespread restaurant chain, eventually making it one of the largest quick-service restaurant brands globally. For more details on the restaurant's journey, you can explore the history of Subway.