What Happened to Subway? U.S. Locations Drop Below 20,000 for the First Time in Decades

If you’re wondering why your neighborhood Subway suddenly closed down, you’re not alone. The famous sandwich chain is facing some big changes, and for the first time in 20 years, Subway has dropped below 20,000 locations in the U.S.

It’s a surprising shift for a brand that once seemed to be on every street corner. While Subway is still the largest restaurant chain in the country, the steady loss of U.S. stores shows the company is rethinking its game plan.

So what’s really going on with Subway? Let’s break it down in a simple and easy way.

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How Many Subways Closed in 2024?

In 2024 alone, Subway shut down 631 restaurants across the United States. That brought their total U.S. location count to 19,502, officially dropping below the 20,000 mark.

And get this — this isn’t new. The chain has been losing U.S. restaurants every year for the last eight years.

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While that might sound like trouble, the company says it’s all part of a bigger plan to make the brand better in the long run.

Why Is Subway Closing So Many U.S. Locations?

According to Subway, they’re not just shutting places down to cut costs. Instead, they’re using a “strategic, data-driven approach” to decide which stores to keep, which to move, and which to close.

They want their restaurants in the right places, with the right look, and run by the right people. That means some old or poorly performing stores may get the axe, while others might just be relocated or remodeled.

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In short, Subway says they’re doing this to make sure customers have a high-quality and consistent experience, no matter where they go.

Is Subway Still Growing?

Yes—just not in the U.S.

Globally, Subway now has around 37,000 locations, and this is the second year in a row where their international presence has grown. That’s a sign that while the U.S. market might be shrinking, Subway is still going strong overseas.

So if you’re traveling abroad, chances are you’ll still find a Subway close by.

What Happened to Subway’s $6.99 Meal Deal?

Remember the short-lived $6.99 Meal Deal that launched on National Sandwich Day in November 2024? It included any six-inch sub, a small drink, and chips or two cookies.

Well, that promo didn’t last long. Subway pulled it from stores just a few weeks later, on November 27, after it failed to take off the way they hoped.

According to the company, while it did okay during test markets, the national rollout didn’t boost traffic or sales like they wanted.

Subway explained that they’re constantly trying new value options and testing deals that attract customers while still helping franchisees make a profit.

Are These Store Closures a Sign of Trouble?

Not necessarily. Subway’s messaging says this is about improving quality, not cutting losses. They’re shifting their focus to growth that actually makes sense—better locations, better layouts, and better-run stores.

That said, it’s still surprising for many fans to see a brand as iconic as Subway slowly pull back across the U.S.

But Subway’s leadership seems confident. Their strategy is to move forward with careful changes, not fast expansions like before.

What About Other Retailers Like JCPenney?

Subway isn’t the only big name making headlines for closing locations.

JCPenney recently announced they’re shutting down stores in seven states by the end of May. But they called these closures “isolated” and said there are no plans for a major shutdown of their store count.

The company also said the move has nothing to do with their merger with SPARC Group, which led to the formation of Catalyst Brands — a new retail group combining six major names.

So it seems both JCPenney and Subway are making selective changes to stay flexible in a changing market.

Have you noticed any Subways closing near you?

Drop a comment and let us know what changes you’ve seen from the chain lately.