Subway's Grand Plan to Take Over America Subway's vision of America's future: hummus, thinner slices of meat and 8,000 new U.S. shops.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

There are 26,000 Subways in the U.S. – and the chain doesn't think that is nearly enough.

Subway CEO Fred DeLuca believes the chain has room to add 7,000 to 8,000 more restaurants in the U.S., according to Bloomberg.

The growth will likely take place over the next decade, and, according to DeLuca, may result in even more than 8,000 new shops if the sandwich chain can increase demand.

Subway is attempting to attract more American taste buds with a new sandwich add-on – hummus. The chain reportedly began testing the topping in April. For the vegetarian customer, hummus adds some flavor to the meatless market, just as Subway's much-hyped avocado rollout did in 2011.

Related: Where Business Travelers Expense the Most Meals (Infographic)

Another adjustment on Subway's plate is serving up thinner slices of meat. While tests are currently limited to restaurants in Illinois, franchisees have found that 12 thinner slices of meat on a foot long, compared to the current eight, increases customer's perception of how much they're getting and their appreciation for the sandwich.

Will mashed up chickpeas and thinner slices of meat be enough to create a craving for 8,000 new Subway restaurants in America? If not, the chain doesn't necessarily need to worry – 67 percent of Subway shops are now located outside of the U.S. As the company explores new areas, with countries including Brazil, the U.K. and India topping the list, the sandwich chain is creating demand for thousands of new restaurants, not just in the US but across the world.

Related: Subway to Remove Chemical From Sandwich Bread Following Blogger's Protest

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Investment Firm CEO Tells Thousands in Conference Audience That 60% of Them Will Be 'Looking for Work' Next Year

There were over 5,500 people at SuperReturn International 2025, making it the largest private equity event in the world.

Side Hustle

After a 12-Year-Old's Side Hustle Made Over $4,000 in 1 Day, He and His Dad Grew the Business to Nearly $50,000 a Month: 'It Takes Commitment'

Madden Forrest and his father, Steven, turned their passion for football into a lucrative business.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Here Are the 10 Highest-Paying Jobs For New Graduates With a Bachelor's Degree — and They All Start at Six Figures

According to a new report from Resume Genius, finding a high-paying job as a new grad is possible, even in this market.

Business Solutions

Discover How AI Can Transform the Way You Work With This $20 E-Degree

Learn how to make AI work for you with the ChatGPT and Automation E-Degree, now for just $20.

Business News

Is AI the Reason for Your Layoff? New York Becomes the First State to Require Companies to Disclose If So.

It's the first official statewide move towards understanding AI's effect on the labor market.