No matter where you go, it always seems like a Subway isn’t far away-- that's because there are over 44,000 locations around the world.
And while you might think you know absolutely everything about the world’s most ubiquitous fast-food chain, there are many things you’d be surprised to learn about the company.
Subway began as a single, humble sandwich shop, opened in 1965 in Bridgeport, Conn. Called Pete’s Super Submarines, it was renamed Subway in 1968, and as the founders built out their franchise plan they created a parent company, called Doctor’s Associates Inc. (this odd moniker apparently came about because one founder had a doctorate in physics and the other was hoping to go to medical school).
13 Things You Didn’t Know About Subway (Slideshow)
The chain expanded rapidly, and is continuing to grow. And it has plenty of options-- whether you're looking to cut back on calories or go for some mightier meaty options.
Read on for more fascinating facts about the world's largest sandwich chain.
1. Fred DeLuca
Woman taking batch of hundred dollar bills. Hands close up (iStock)
Founder Fred DeLuca created Subway in 1965, when he was 17 years old, with a $1,000 loan from a family friend named Peter Buck.
2. The BMT
Subway train in motion (iStock)
In keeping with the "subway" theme, the BMT sandwich was named after the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit system, one of the original New York subway lines. Today, we know it as "Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest," with pepperoni, salami, and ham.
3. Veggie Patty
vegan quinoa eggplant spinach chickpeas Burger. toning. selective focus (iStock)
There's a vegetable-based patty available regionally, and it's is actually made mostly of soy, mushrooms, water chestnuts, onions, carrots, green and red bell peppers, black olives, brown rice, and soy sauce.
4. That Smell
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All Subways smell the same. Apparently, this is because all Subways use the same bread. They are sent to all franchises frozen and the shops thaw them out before baking them behind the counter. It is hinted that the caramelization smell of the sugar has something to do with the distinct smell, but it’s still a mystery what makes this particular bread smell so unique.
More from The Daily Meal:
10 Non-Traditional Subway Restaurants
McDonald’s, Subway, Taco Bell – Where Were They Born?
Global Subway Sandwiches Flavors
5. Combos
Delicious appetizers with slices of baguette and various toppings on stone black background (iStock)
There are about 2 million possible sandwich combinations.
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