News

Subway hits 200-unit milestone in India, aims for 300 more by '15

March 29, 2011

The Subway restaurant chain opened its 200th store in India this week in Ahmedabad.

The milestone restaurant is operated by long-time multiunit Subway franchisees Krunal Patel and Dipen Patel. Together, they own and operate four Subways in the area.

"Congratulations should go out to the entire Subway team on our achievement in India. We've had our share of challenges in an environment where customers were not used to our products and suppliers were unfamiliar with our requirements," said Robby Gulri, franchisee, area development manager and development agent.

Gulri and his brother Bobby, first brought the Subway concept to India 10 years ago.

Since that time, the chain has refined its offerings and initiated value pricing platforms to appeal to the population.

Customer favorites include Paneer Tikka, Chicken Tandoori and Aloo Patty sandwiches. In addition, customers can further customize their meals with toppings such as mint, chili and eggless mayonnaise. In India, Subway restaurants do not serve pork or beef products.

"We worked closely with local chefs and regional suppliers to ensure a good balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian items, along with many traditional Subway menu items, all specifically selected to appeal to the Indian palate," added Gulri.

The chain's goal is to have 500 units open by the end of 2015. All Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated.

Subway's expansion will be aided by the recent appointment of Delhi-based McCann Erickson India as its new agency of record.

Subway, headquartered in Milford, Conn., now has more than 34,000 outlets in 97 countries and is the largest quick-service restaurant chain, in terms of number of locations, in the world.