The day QSR interviewed Subways director of development, Don Fertman, the sandwich chain was celebrating. It had just hit the 32,000-store mark the day before, and the company showed no signs of slowing. In fact, Fertman confidently predicted that by the time the article ran, the chain would have added close to 500 more stores. For those interested in the math: Thats almost seven stores a day between interview and press time.
While the growth of nontraditional units in the U.S. has helped the chain boost its system to chart-topping numbers stateside, its international expansion remains equally aggressive. Fertman, whos been with the brand since its first international store opened 26 years ago in Bahrain, sat down to explain how the brand continues to grow despite the global recession, what territories hes watching closest, and how your brand can follow in his footsteps.
What do you attribute to Subways international success? The secrets to our success are probably not secrets. I think theyre really obvious and it has to do with the fact that people want something that tastes good, thats a good value, and is something that is hopefully good.
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