Milford-based Subway reported strong sales for 2021 despite the pandemic, with the highest average unit volume since 2014 at its U.S. restaurants, the company announced Tuesday.
The company said its U.S. sales exceeded projections by nearly $1.4 billion in 2021, with 75% of outlets reporting a 7.5% increase in same-store sales last year compared to 2019.
Digital sales also tripled in 2021 compared with 2019, rising to a total of $1.3 billion. The chain said the increase was due to digital investments in online ordering, delivery, curbside pick-up and catering.
Subway CEO John Chidsey attributed the sales boost to the chain’s long-term strategy to transform under its “Eat Fresh Refresh” campaign, which has resulted in revamps of the menu, look of stores and marketing.
The campaign began in 2021 with new sandwiches including the Turkey Cali Fresh, Steak Cali Fresh and All-American Club.
“Subway’s 2021 sales results indicate we have the right team and strategy to bring our multi-year transformation journey to life,” Chidsey said.
Last month Subway announced two new sandwiches: Baja Turkey Avocado and Honey Mustard Rotisserie-Style Chicken.
Although the chain has closed thousands of stores in recent years in the U.S. and other nations, Subway signed deals in the past six months to open more than 3,000 new outlets in India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Thailand.
The company has about 21,300 restaurants in the U.S., according to the statement.
The chain said it had 37,000 restaurants worldwide this month, compared to the 44,000 it reported in December 2018.
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
