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Subway names directors of operations and training

December 18, 2011

Subway Restaurants has named Joe Chaves as its new director of operations for the 35,500-plus chain, while Rebecca Audet has been named the brand's director of Worldwide Training.

Chaves has 28 years experience in the quick-service restaurant industry and spent time as a Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins franchisee.

A Rhode Island native who has spent time in Florida, Chaves joined the Subway chain five years ago and has worked on several projects, including expanding catering capabilities and improving the customer service experience. He also led the company territory teams to improve operations and profitability.

"This will be a challenging and exciting opportunity, and a privilege to serve this great brand and the thousands of franchisees, development agents, and staff," he said. "Subway is doing extremely well, especially considering the current global economy. It continues to be a remarkably good investment for our existing and future franchisees."

Audet is a Subway franchisee, owning two locations in Vermont, while also overseeing 1,000-plus restaurants as the Manager of U.S. and International company run (or held) territories. She will continue this field work in addition to training.

"Training is the cornerstone of any organization, especially in franchising where we need to teach people how our system works and how to achieve the highest level of efficiency. As the largest QSR in the world, I know I have been entrusted with a critical responsibility," Audet said.

A Connecticut native, Audet moved to Vermont after attending college in New York City. During her senior year at Columbia University, she purchased her first franchise, skipping her graduation rehearsal to attend a zoning meeting on the location.

As director of Training, Audet will oversee the brand's entire training program, which includes 13 global training centers, an e-leaning program, as well as the education and training of sandwich artists, managers, franchisees, field consultants and development agents.

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