Family-Owned Subway Is Apparently Considering A $10 Billion Sale

Did you know that retail giant Walmart and vehicle behemoth Ford are still family-owned, via Family Business Magazine? Yep, it turns out that even the biggest businesses in the U.S. like to keep things in the family. In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2020 that 90% of American businesses are classified as family firms, per Business Journal Daily. However, Food Business News reports that next year, Subway may not be contributing to that number.

According to the outlet, after 58 years of running and operating Subway, the family behind the well-known sub-slinging chain is interested in putting the business on the market — an incredibly rare move for those in the restaurant world, per Restaurant Business Online. And if the owners do sell the franchise, the same outlet reports it would be considered one of the highest dollar restaurant chain sales on record. The price? After hiring advisors, Subway's owners are estimating the iconic chain could be worth $10 billion. However, if the current operators really do decide to kiss the foot-long-making business goodbye, the chain's new owners would have some work cut out for them.

As outlets like Food Business News note, buying Subway would come with as many challenges as it would perks. On one hand, the chain is the biggest limited-service menu sandwich seller in the U.S. Not to mention, as Restaurant Business Online reports, it's one of the most recognizable restaurant brands in the world. However, in terms of money-making, Subway has hit a bit of a rough spot in the last few years.

While the brand was once the globe's biggest restaurant chain, boasting over 40,000 businesses worldwide, its constant quest for expansion left it biting off more subs than it could chew. As a result, CNN reports the company's revenue has been declining for 13 years. And, consequently, Subway has been forced to close down many of its locations. Now, Restaurant Business Online reports the franchise is currently the eighth-largest restaurant chain in the United States. 

With all of this in mind, if a buyer were to take on Subway they'd have to formulate a strategy to reestablish the restaurant's sales. This would also mean the new owners would have to assess and potentially add to or even completely scrap the current Subway CEO's plan for revitalizing the chain's revenue, per Insider. However, only time will tell if the family behind Subway will actually go through with selling the chain — and what will happen to the restaurant in the hands of new operators.