Is your neighborhood Subway next? The sandwich giant is shedding stores in the United States at an alarming rate—a dramatic downturn that has shrunk Subway’s footprint to its smallest size in two decades, raising questions about the future of the iconic brand.
How Many Subway Stores Have Closed in the U.S.?
Once seen as a pillar of the recession-resistant fast food industry, Subway is now facing the harsh realities of a shifting economic landscape. As inflation drives up costs and price-conscious consumers tighten their belts, even major chains are struggling to stay afloat—and Subway is among the hardest hit.
At its peak a decade ago, Subway boasted over 27,000 locations across the U.S. But the tide has turned. The sandwich giant closed 600 restaurants in the past year alone, with QSR reporting a net loss of 631 U.S. locations in 2024. That brings the chain’s domestic footprint down to 19,502 stores—the lowest it’s been in two decades.
This marks the eighth straight year Subway has downsized its U.S. presence. Since 2016, the brand has shuttered a net total of roughly 7,600 locations, including 1,000 closures in each of the years 2018, 2019, and 2021, according to data from QSR.
Will Subway Close More Stores in the U.S.?
The future of Subway’s U.S. locations remains uncertain as the chain grapples with ongoing economic pressures and changing consumer habits. Although the company hasn’t confirmed additional closures, it hasn’t ruled them out either.
In a statement to CNN, Subway said it will continue to evaluate its domestic footprint “using a strategic, data-driven approach to ensure restaurants are in the right location, image and format and operated by the right franchisees.”
Should Subway Fans Worry About the Future of the Chain?
Despite ongoing closures in the U.S., Subway fans may find reassurance in the brand’s continued international momentum. The company reports strong growth overseas, now operating 37,000 locations globally.
And while domestic numbers have declined, Subway still holds the title of the largest restaurant chain in the U.S. by total footprint, outpacing Starbucks, which has 16,935 U.S. stores, and McDonald’s, with 13,559, according to QSR.
Other Popular Chains That Slash Store Counts Amid Industry Shake-Up
In addition to Subway, several major restaurant chains have also closed numerous locations in recent years due to economic pressures, changing consumer preferences, and strategic shifts. Here are some of them:
Pizza Hut
In 2020, Pizza Hut’s largest U.S. franchisee, NPC International, filed for bankruptcy and agreed to close up to 300 underperforming dine-in locations as part of its restructuring plan.
Burger King
In 2023, Burger King’s parent company, Restaurant Brands International, announced plans to close up to 400 underperforming U.S. locations to streamline operations and improve performance.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ closed approximately 800 U.S. locations in 2020, including 450 locations within Speedway gas stations, as part of a real estate portfolio rationalization strategy.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays has faced significant challenges, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2024. The chain closed over 100 U.S. locations in the year leading up to the filing, reducing its domestic presence from 269 to 163 restaurants.
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr.
Both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. have experienced closures in recent years. In 2025, Hardee’s closed multiple locations in at least seven cities in Illinois, and Carl’s Jr. has also shuttered several locations, including over 20 in Australia and others in Texas.
IHOP and Applebee’s
Dine Brands, the parent company of IHOP and Applebee’s, announced plans in 2020 to close approximately 100 restaurants across both brands due to the economic impact of the pandemic. This included nearly 100 IHOP locations and about 15 Applebee’s restaurants.