Tuesday April 22, 9:05 am ET MILFORD, Conn., April 22 /PRNewswire/-- It's another milestone for the Subway restaurant chain as it celebrates the opening of its 18,000th location worldwide! Featuring the chain's new Tuscany Decor, which embodies Old World charm and hospitality, the landmark restaurant was recently opened by franchisee, Javier Martinez Jr. in El Monte, Calif. El Monte, east of Los Angeles between the San Gabriel and Rio Hondo Rivers, is known as the "End of the Santa Fe Trail," and has an historic reputation of offering respite and replenishment to native dwellers and travelers alike. And with a reputation like that, it's quite appropriate that this city is now home to an historic Subway restaurant. "Knowing that my restaurant is the 18,000th Subway gives me an incredible feeling that is difficult to put into words. When I first heard the news, I thought, 'What a gift!' I used to eat Subway all the time and now I own a business that is part of its history," says Martinez. With a background in real estate management, Martinez, like many Subway franchisees, comes from varying career experiences. However, the franchisees all have one goal in common: to own and operate their own successful business. A high percentage of Subway franchisees also become multi-unit owners. In fact, more than 70% of new franchises sold are purchased by individuals already in the Subway system, which indicates not only satisfaction with the franchise system, but profitability as well. "I always wanted to be the owner of my own business. I loved the Subway concept and this is my second Subway location. My goal is to open 10 more within the next five years," adds Martinez. "Much of our success is due to franchisees such as Javier Martinez, who have embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and have helped spread the Subway concept across the United States and around the world," says Don Fertman, Director of Franchise Sales for Subway Restaurants. Subway Restaurants was founded in 1965 in Bridgeport, Conn. by then 17-year-old Fred DeLuca, with a $1,000 loan from family friend, Dr. Peter Buck. Subway Restaurants is the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, with 18,000 locations in 72 countries. The chain has surpassed McDonald's in the number of restaurants open in the United States and Canada and has been named the number one franchise opportunity in all categories by Entrepreneur magazine in its Annual Franchise 500 ranking for 2003-for the record-breaking 11th time in 15 years!For more information about Subway Restaurants see its Web site at www.subway.com. Subway® is a registered trademark of Doctor's Associates Inc. (DAI).
