DRIVING GROWTH, INNOVATION & FRESH THINKING
BUSINESS TIMES
SUBWAY ANZ
SUBWAY ANZ
DRIVING GROWTH, INNOVATION & FRESH THINKING
Words by: Michelle Duncan
Subway is one of the most prominent quick-service restaurant (QSR) brands running across Australia and New Zealand, with a strong footprint in metropolitan, regional, and remote communities. Its extensive network
of franchised restaurants positions the brand as a major competitor within the fast-food sector, particularly in the sandwich and “better-for-you” categories.
The brand’s value proposition— fresh, customisable, and convenient meals—continues to resonate strongly with consumers seeking alternatives to traditional fast-food offerings. This has enabled Subway to keep a stable
market presence despite intensifying competition from both global and emerging local QSR brands.
Shane Bracken serves as the Country Director for Australia and New Zealand at Subway, overseeing one of the world’s most recognisable quick-service restaurant brands within a highly competitive regional market. With more than 25 years of experi-
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
ence leading major multinational food and beverage brands across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Bracken brings extensive ability in brand growth, operational excellence, and multi-regional development.
Since joining Subway in 2022, Bracken has played a pivotal role in accelerating the brand’s transformation across the region. His leadership is defined by a strong focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and the integration of technology to enhance both customer experience and operational performance. He has prioritised initiatives that strengthen franchisee returns and position the brand for long-term, sustainable growth.
Bracken’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to taste, food innovation, and market-driven development. Under his di-
rection, Subway in Australia and New Zealand continues to evolve through modernisation, digital capability expansion, and a renewed emphasis on sustainability—ensuring the brand stays competitive and future-ready.
Subway has actively embraced changing consumer preferences and market trends beyond its menu offerings. The brand has launched online ordering, mobile payment options, and delivery services to provide enhanced convenience for its customers. By incorporating technology and digital innovations, Subway has proved itself as a modern and customer-focused brand within the competitive fast-food landscape of Australia and New Zealand.
Subway’s franchise model has been instrumental in its extensive expansion throughout Australia
About MegaMex Foods
MegaMex Foods (you may know us as Fresherized Foods) is one of the fastest growing Mexican Food companies in the US as a key supplier of Mexican products in retail, foodservice and convenience stores with businesses domestic and international. The idea behind the creation of MegaMex Foods was simple, to take the best of two powerhouse brands from two countries and bring the flavors of Mexico to the dinner and restaurant tables across the globe. So, in October of 2009, Her
dez del Fuerte, S.A. de CV of Mexico and Hormel Foods of the US did just that.
Over 15 years later, MegaMex remains focused on reimagining Mexican flavors with a market leading product and brand portfolio covering guacamole, avocado, salsa, sauces, and dips. Key international brands include WHOLLY® brand products made with hand-scooped Hass avocados. WHOLLY® products use
and New Zealand. With a robust network of franchisees operating stores in various locations, Subway effectively brings its fresh and customizable menu options closer to local communities. This decentralized operating model enables the brand to keep consistency in its offerings while also catering to the diverse tastes and preferences found in different regions. Globally, Subway employs nearly half a million people, including all franchisees, making it the world’s largest restaurant brand with approximately 44,000 locations across more than 100 countries. In 2019, Subway reported impressive revenue of US$16 billion (A$21 billion). However, like its path in Australia, the brand faced challenges during its early months in Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1965, as it navigated various operational hurdles before stabilizing its business model.
High-pressure technology (HPT) to help extend the shelf life of the products and maintain the avocado’s delicious flavors and nutrients while eliminating potentially harmful bacteria, without changing the color, texture, or taste of the product. We continue to invest in innovation and capacity and look forward to delivering great-tasting, on-trend eating experiences for our customers.
The concept of Subway was born from the enterprising spirit of 17-year-old Fred DeLuca, who looked to raise money for college by selling sandwiches that were healthier alternatives to the deep-fried snacks available elsewhere. Fortuitously, a family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, a nuclear physicist, lent Fred $1,000 to launch the business. In gratitude, Fred named the venture “Pete’s Submarines.” However, he soon realized that the name caused confusion when local radio advertisements were broadcast, as it sounded like “pizza marines.” To rectify this, he changed the name to “Pete’s Subway” before ultimately settling on “Subway.”
Fred’s mother played a vital role in running the cafe in Bridgeport, Connecticut, while he enticed his sister to join the team by bestowing upon her the title of “sandwich artist,” a term still used in the company today. The journey to franchise success took 13 years to reach 100 stores, but the momentum accelerated rapidly, allowing them to reach 1,000 locations in just nine added years.
Under Fred DeLuca’s leadership, Subway evolved into the largest franchise globally, and he personally increased an impressive fortune of US$3.5 billion (A$4.6 billion). Fred continued to guide the company until his passing in 2015, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the fast-food landscape.
Under Shane Bracken’s leadership, Subway has launched a comprehensive store modernisation program across Australia and New Zealand. This initiative focus-
es on upgrading existing restaurants with contemporary interior designs, including modern furniture, digital menu boards, and refreshed décor to create a more inviting and streamlined customer experience. The program also incorporates the installation of energy-efficient kitchen equipment and lighting systems, supporting both operational cost reductions and improved environmental performance.
In addition to refurbishing existing sites, Bracken has overseen the strategic expansion of Subway’s footprint through the opening of new locations in key urban and suburban markets. This growth strategy is designed to enhance brand visibility, increase customer accessibility, and strengthen Subway’s competitive position across the region.
To meet evolving consumer expectations, Subway has expanded its service model across Australia and New Zealand through enhanced convenience-driven innovations. Many new and refurbished restaurants now feature drive-thru facilities, reflecting increased demand for speed and accessibility. The brand has also strengthened its delivery capability through partnerships with major food delivery platforms, ensuring broader reach and improved customer convenience.
Subway’s digital ecosystem has undergone significant upgrades, most notably through enhancements to the Subway mobile app. The platform now offers a seamless ordering experience with features such as full menu
customisation, integrated loyalty rewards, and mobile payment options. These improvements support higher customer engagement and streamline the ordering process.
UNDER FRED DELUCA’S LEADERSHIP, SUBWAY EVOLVED INTO THE LARGEST FRANCHISE GLOBALLY
In-store technology has also advanced, with the introduction of self-service kiosks across many locations. These kiosks enable customers to place orders quickly and accurately, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency.
A further innovation being rolled out across selected city-centre locations is the “24-hour window” concept. This system allows customers to place orders via the app and collect them from an express pick-up drawer at any time of day. The first installation, found in Bald Hills, Brisbane, has seen strong uptake, showing consumer appetite for convenient, late-night food options.
Subway has increasingly embraced technology to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and personalise the customer experience. Under Shane Bracken’s leadership, the brand’s investment in digital solutions and innovative technologies has enabled it to stay ahead of market trends, meet rising consumer expectations, and support sustainable business growth in a rapidly evolving QSR landscape.
As Country Director, Bracken has also played a pivotal role in setting up and strengthening strategic partnerships across Australia and New Zealand. These collaborations span key areas such as supply chain optimisation, marketing initiatives, and technology integration. By aligning with industry-leading partners, Subway has been able to use specialised ability, shared resources, and valuable market insights—ultimately reinforcing its competitive position and accelerating its transformation across the region.
Strategic partnerships with local suppliers, distributors, and industry stakeholders have played a critical role in strengthening Subway’s operations across Australia and New Zealand. These collaborations have enabled the brand to enhance its menu offerings, keep consistent product quality, and sustain a competitive advantage in the fast-food sector. Subway’s network of long-standing suppliers—including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Bega, Primo, D’Orsogna, Yarrows, and Fresherized Foods, among others—continues to provide essential support across product development, supply chain efficiency, and quality assurance. These partners have been instrumental in helping the brand uphold ambitious standards, expand into new territories, and increase its visibility across diverse market segments.
Under Shane Bracken’s leadership, Subway has been steered toward operational excellence, strengthened strategic partnerships, and accelerated technology-driven innovation. His customer-centric approach, combined with significant infrastructure upgrades and a strong focus on digital transformation, has reinforced Subway’s position as a leading quick-service restaurant brand in the region. With Bracken at the helm, the organisation continues to adapt to shifting market dynamics, pursue sustainable growth opportunities, and deliver an enhanced dining experience for customers across Australia and New Zealand.