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Subway lays off about 150 in coronavirus pandemic’s wakeSubway lays off about 150 in coronavirus pandemic’s wake

Quick-service sandwich brand’s reductions include 100 at corporate headquarters, a spokesman says

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

May 19, 2020

1 Min Read
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Subway’s parent has laid off about 150 of its workforce, including more than 100 at its corporate headquarters, the company said Tuesday.

Alan Marcus, senior director of public relations for the Milford, Conn.-based quick-service brand, said, “The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to accelerate a restructuring plan for which we had been preparing.”

In additions to the layoffs, Marcus said Subway had reassigned some staff members “for better alignment and efficiencies.”

“A reduction in workforce is never an easy decision, especially during these unprecedented times,” he said.

The most recent layoffs follow 300 corporate employees let go in February as part of what the company called a "streamlining" plan.

“Our focus remains on ensuring Subway guests continue to get great service and value at every restaurant they visit; our franchise owners, all small business owners, get the full support and tools they need to help them grow and be successful and that we strengthen our overall business performance,” Marcus said.

Subway was among restaurant brands to offer grocery items during the coronavirus restrictions on in-store dining. More than 100 Subway restaurants in Southern California offered restaurant ingredients such as bagged lettuce and frozen soups to consumers looking for a safe and fast way to obtain groceries without entering a supermarket.

Related:Subway enhances safety protocols in coronavirus response

Dubbed Subway Grocery, the program allows customers to buy online items such as baked bread, deli meats, sliced cheese, vegetables and soups.

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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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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