Subway Celebrates 200th Store Milestone

Media release 8 February 2008

Subway Celebrates 200th Store Milestone

The opening of New Zealand’s 200th Subway store makes this one of the most successful countries in the world for the international sandwich franchise, says Regional Director Brian Tap.

The 200th store – at Auckland Airport’s international terminal – was yesterday (Feb 7) opened by airport chief executive Don Huse.

“This milestone is recognition of the hard work, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the thousands of people involved in the Subway franchise system,” Tap told the crowd gathered at the opening ceremony.

“And it also illustrates that the entire Subway chain has a long-term commitment to the New Zealand market.”

The four franchisees of the new Auckland International Airport store own franchises for five other Subway stores between them, in Taupo, the Waikato and Auckland. Tony Redmond, Chris and Irene Young and Linda De Lautour are also joined by Kelly Astle as manager and shareholder in the new store.

Chris Young, who has been with Subway for five years, said being involved in the rapid growth of Subway in New Zealand – which had grown from just one store in 1995 – had been full of thrills.

“It’s an exciting franchise to be part of, and New Zealand consumers have really embraced the Subway concept,” he said.

It had taken four years of negotiation to secure the site in the international terminal, and he had a great sense of satisfaction seeing it all come together.

“More than 10 million passengers a year pass through Auckland International Airport – that offers huge potential for a popular franchise such as Subway,” said Young.

Subway New Zealand Development Agent Mark Rutherglen, said the opening of the 200th store also showed how committed the franchise was to developing and growing opportunities for its business owners.

“We will actively work with successful franchisees to increase their opportunities and grow their businesses,” he said. “We encourage those with entrepreneurial drive to own multiple franchises, as it is good for them and good for Subway.”

The Subway Auckland International Airport store is open for business from 4.30am to 11.30pm, seven days a week.

Ends

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