Subway is the largest submarine sandwich franchise in the world with over 17,500 individually owned restaurants in 74 countries. In 2001, Subway displaced McDonald's as the largest fast-food chain in the United States and Canada. Subway spends $290 million per year on television advertisements just to ensure we recognize the iconic Subway spokesman Jared Fogle, who lost a significant amount of weight by going on the "Subway diet." Thanks to the vigorous high-profile TV advertising and marketing, Subway's brand awareness has never been higher. Entrepreneur Magazine has stated that Subway is an established system with low investment, wide brand recognition and proven operational procedures, which keep Subway out ahead as the number one franchise in all categories for 10 of the past 14 years. Subway has been providing entrepreneurs with the means to build and succeed in their own business since 1965. The company offers flexible options in terms of size, location and investment, and a vital support network that delivers many business services including financing and equipment leasing programs and a hands-on two-week training program. Moreover, Subway provides an award-winning menu of sandwiches on fresh-baked breads that give consumers a quick, great-tasting, customized meal, plus a variety of nutritional vegetables and condiments which cater to each individual customer's lifestyle. With unstoppable momentum, Subway plans to keep the success going as it consistently looks at product development and marketing focus. With new menu items adding variety, such as expanded Subway Selects gourmet sandwiches and flavored breads, Subway continues to fine-tune its product. Subway has also become a national sponsor of the American Heart Association's Heart Walk events held annually in more than 750 cities across the United States, which brings recognition to thousands of local franchisees.
