Subway signs largest franchise deal to grow across China

The restaurant brand has partnered with Shanghai Fu-Rui-Shi Corporate Development to open nearly 4,000 new locations over the next 20 years.

Subway has entered into a new master franchise agreement with Shanghai Fu-Rui-Shi Corporate Development (FRS) to significantly expand its presence across China. As the largest master franchise agreement in the brand’s history, the company expects to open approximately 4,000 restaurants in the next 20 years.

FRS will be responsible for the new openings, which are expected to grow the company’s current footprint in the market by sevenfold.

As part of the brand's multi-year transformation journey and focus on international expansion, the agreement marks the firm’s 13th master franchise and development agreement in the past two years. These have resulted in more than 9,000 future restaurant commitments around the world.

"China is a key market with significant long-term growth opportunity, and we look forward to bringing the Subway experience to even more guests in the region," said John Chidsey, Global Chief Executive Officer at Subway.

In Asia Pacific, Subway continues to seek strong partners with expertise in local markets as it looks to double its current network of restaurants in the region from approximately 3,500 locations to over 6,000 over the next five years.