Subway restaurants are temporarily halting in-store dining across the brand’s North American locations because of the coronavirus pandemic, a company spokesperson said Friday.
“Many Subway restaurants will remain open for takeout and/or delivery, and we will continue to deliver the best possible experience for our guests during this challenging time,” said a spokesperson for the Milford, Conn.-based sandwich chain.
Subway remained one of the few big quick-service restaurant brands to still allow units to offer the option if the state or municipality had not barred dine-in guests.
Brands have been issuing new guidelines throughout the week.
“Each decision we make regarding restaurant operations is made with the safety and wellness of our loyal guests, franchise owners and their employees, and the community in mind,” the Subway spokesperson said.
“Supporting our network of franchise-owned businesses during this unique circumstance is a top priority for the entire Subway team, and we will continue to assess and respond quickly to the rapidly changing landscape,” the company spokesperson said in an email.
The company said it has reduced franchisee royalty payments by 50%, suspended contributions to the advertising funds for the next four weeks and supported rent abatements, reductions and deferrals.
The company, which is 100% franchised, has about 42,400 restaurants in more than 100 countries. The brand ended 2018 with 24,798 U.S. restaurants, down from 27,103 in 2014, according to the Nation’s Restaurant News Top 200 census.
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