Subway Franchise for Sale: How to Buy an Existing Restaurant in the UK

Opening a brand new restaurant is one way into franchising. But there’s another route that more people should know about. Across the UK, existing Subway restaurants regularly come up for sale. You’re not buying a concept or a promise. You’re buying a running business with customers who come back every week, revenue that’s already proven, and a team who know the routine.

For the right buyer, a Subway resale can be a smarter entry point than a new build. Here’s how it works.

Why Buy an Existing Restaurant Instead of Starting Fresh

The appeal is straightforward. When you open a new restaurant, there’s always uncertainty. Will the location work? How long until you break even? Can you recruit and train a team fast enough? Those questions keep people up at night.

With a resale, most of that uncertainty disappears. The location has already proven itself. There’s revenue on the books. There are regulars. There’s a team in place who know the sandwich build, the prep routine and the rush patterns. You’re not starting cold. You’re stepping into something that’s already working.

The path to profitability is shorter too. No months of build-out. No start-up losses while you find your feet. The heavy lifting has already been done.

What Drives the Price

Every Subway resale is different. There’s no standard formula, but there are clear factors that influence what you’ll pay.

Weekly revenue is the single biggest factor. A store doing £4,500 a week is worth more than one doing £2,500. Buyers pay for proven performance, not potential. Ask for at least two years of weekly sales data and look at trends, not just averages.

Location quality matters enormously. A Subway in a busy shopping centre, train station or high-footfall high street commands a premium. A store in a quieter area will be priced accordingly. The lease terms matter too. A long lease with reasonable rent reviews is an asset. A short lease with break clauses is a risk you need to price in.

Condition of the fit-out makes a difference. Has the store been recently refreshed to the Fresh Forward design? Or is it due a refit? A modern, well-maintained store is worth more. An older store that needs investment can be a bargain if you factor the refit cost into your offer.

On top of the transfer price agreed between you and the seller, there’s a £13,000 franchise fee for the new agreement with Subway. And you’ll need to meet the same financial requirements as a new franchisee: minimum net worth of £150,000 and £100,000 in liquid assets.

The Transfer Process

The first step is getting in touch. You can contact Subway Franchise UK directly or call Franchise Sales & Resales on 01462 685633. Tell them what you’re looking for and they’ll match you with available stores.

Visit the store. Sit in as a customer first. Watch the lunchtime rush. Talk to the current owner. Get a feel for the operation, the team and the customers.

Then review the numbers properly. Request trading accounts, weekly sales reports and cost breakdowns. Check the lease. Look at the equipment condition. This is where an accountant or franchise solicitor earns their fee.

The transfer price is between you and the seller. Subway doesn’t set or interfere with the price. Base your offer on the data, not emotion. If the store needs a refit, factor that in.

Subway then assesses your application on financial capability, motivation and suitability. Once approved, you complete the Subway training programme, sign the contracts, and ownership transfers.

Due Diligence: Don’t Skip This

Before you commit, check everything. Request and verify at least two years of weekly sales reports. Review the lease in full, especially the term, rent, break clauses and service charges. Assess the condition of all equipment. Review the staff situation including contracts, wages and any TUPE obligations. Check for outstanding debts or supplier arrears. Read the store’s online reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. Analyse local competition within a half-mile radius. And check for planned developments nearby that could affect footfall.

Bring in a franchise solicitor and an accountant with food retail experience. The money you spend on professional due diligence is the best money you’ll spend in the whole process.

Where to Find Subway Resales

The smartest approach is to register your interest through multiple channels. Subway’s Grow With Us page shows available territories and resale opportunities. Franchise Sales & Resales is Subway’s official resale partner. RightBiz and Daltons Business are both established UK platforms where listings appear.

The best stores go quickly. If you’re serious, register early and be ready to move when the right opportunity appears.

It’s an Asset, Not Just an Income

One thing worth remembering: as a franchise owner, you can sell your restaurant whenever you choose. The sale price is yours to negotiate. A well-run Subway on a strong site appreciates in value over time. What you buy today, you can sell tomorrow at a profit. Many multi-unit operators started with a single resale and grew from there. Hear from partners who’ve done exactly that.