Subway signs master franchise agreements in Kuwait, Thailand

Sandwich chain Subway is high on expansion as it signs master franchise agreement to enter two countries in a day.

It has signed an exclusive master franchise agreement in the State of Kuwait with Kout Food Group (KFG), a leading food and beverage company in the region. The agreement marks the start of an exciting chapter for Subway in Kuwait where guests can expect updated, modern “Fresh Forward” restaurants and an improved, consistent ordering experience, whether in-person, on the app or through a third-party delivery service.

“The agreement with KFG is another important milestone on Subway’s international expansion journey,” said John Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Subway. “As a large-scale operator with regional expertise and a proven track record of scaling operations to meet guest demand, KFG is an ideal partner for Subway as the company grows its global footprint.”

Established in 1982, KFG was responsible for bringing the first local franchised restaurant to Kuwait. The company now manages, operates and develops international food brands in the region, overseeing approximately 200 restaurants.

It has also signed a new Master Franchise Development Agreement to significantly expand Subway’s presence in the Thailand region. About Passion Co. Ltd. is a fast-growing company with proven success in the quick service restaurant (QSR) and F&B industries. Under the new partnership, About Passion Co. Ltd. will open more than 700 new Subway locations across Thailand over the next decade, expanding on the brand’s current footprint of over 130 restaurants in Bangkok by more than five times.

Under the stewardship of About Passion Co. Ltd., existing and future restaurants will adapt Subway’s new, vibrant “Fresh Forward” design, while also allowing franchisees the flexibility to incorporate elements of the rich Thai culture into their restaurants. To meet the diverse needs of today’s consumers and drive franchisee profitability, About Passion Co. Ltd.’s focus will be to ensure restaurants are in locations with high accessibility and visibility, including drive-throughs and nontraditional restaurant models, such as kiosks and Grab & Go.

“Today’s announcement is a significant step towards growing our Asia Pacific business,” said John Chidsey, Chief Executive Officer of Subway. "We have seen a strong demand for Subway across Thailand and, with About Passion Co. Ltd.’s existing knowledge of our business model and success in implementing operational excellence across their current restaurant locations, we are confident they will be successful in strategically expanding our presence in the country.”