Subway to overhaul restaurants and nearly double UK store numbers

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:37 · Archive

Subway plans to nearly double its store count across Europe, the Middle East and Africa over five years with a new Blueprint restaurant format.

Subway has unveiled its Blueprint restaurant format on October 8, 2026, alongside plans to expand significantly across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The fast food chain intends to nearly double its footprint in the region over the next five years. Every new restaurant opening and store remodel across the region will adopt the new layout from January 1, 2027 onwards.

Initial locations testing the Blueprint concept opened in summer 2026 in the UK and the Netherlands. The updated outlets feature touch-screen self-order kiosks, order-ready screens and collection points alongside the traditional service counter. Stores will also feature a new breakfast range and coffee offer, accompanied by morning background music.

A Grab and Go selection will be introduced in transport hubs and busy locations, offering prepared meals for commuters in a hurry. At 6pm, restaurants will shift into Subway After Dark, switching lighting, background music and staff uniforms. Digital menu boards will display hot items including footlong pizzas, mac 'n' cheese and loaded waffle fries, alongside drinks and desserts.

Tracy Gehlan, President at Subway EMEA, said the new format allows guests to 'eat their way, on their own schedule'. He added: 'We celebrate our guests' individual choices, from how they order to when they visit to what they want in their meal, always with great food, great service and a great environment.'

The evening concept and takeaway options will roll out based on site locations and consumer demand.

How it is being reported

• Subway announces plans that could see hundreds of new shops across UKSubway is overhauling its restaurants with digital kiosks, an evening menu and plans to double store numbers.News Shopper · 9 Oct, 13:14
• Subway announces plans that could see hundreds of new shops across UKSubway is overhauling its restaurants with digital kiosks, an evening menu and plans to double store numbers.Croydon Guardian · 9 Oct, 13:14
• Subway announces plans that could see hundreds of new shops across UKSubway is overhauling its restaurants with digital kiosks, an evening menu and plans to double store numbers.Wandsworth Guardian · 9 Oct, 13:14
• Subway announces plans that could see hundreds of new shops across UKSubway is overhauling its restaurants with digital kiosks, an evening menu and plans to double store numbers.This Is Local London · 9 Oct, 13:14

In this story: Subway · Europe · Middle East · Africa · UK · Netherlands · Tracy Gehlan

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