Buying a Subway franchise in Canada

Buying an existing Subway restaurant

Subway’s FAQs answer the question “Can I buy existing Subway restaurants that are open and operating today?” with “Yes. We are currently seeking qualified franchise candidates who have an interest in acquiring 5 or more Subway restaurants” (as published, read Oct 22, 2026). That answer is about multi-restaurant buyers; it says nothing about a single-restaurant resale. The pages read do not say whether Subway must approve the buyer of one restaurant or charges a transfer fee; ask Subway and check the franchise agreement, and see who has to approve a franchise resale and what a transfer fee is.

Term, remodel and training

Subway publishes that “the Subway restaurant franchise term is 20 years” and that “the brand standard is every 10 years” for remodelling (as published, read Oct 22, 2026). It also describes “a comprehensive 3-week training program”, with virtual training through University of Subway and in-person training at certified restaurants. The FAQ does not say whether a resale buyer repeats it; that is a question to put to the franchisor — does buying a resale require retraining?

Financing

Neither Subway page read names a lender or a financing programme, and Subway states its minimum financial requirements as net worth and liquid assets rather than as a loan arrangement. For financing questions to put to a lender, see can a franchise purchase be financed?

Formats, and where Subway is listed

Subway’s pages describe formats rather than a list of open territories: freestanding, inline, endcap, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, with non-traditional formats “starting at just 400 sq. ft.” and aimed at venues such as travel hubs and gas stations, hospitals, universities and airports. Deavo’s Subway listings on Oct 20, 2026 were in Ontario (6) and British Columbia (1). No available-areas list was on the pages read.

Disclosure law where Subway is listed

Both provinces with Subway listings have franchise disclosure statutes. Under Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act and British Columbia’s Franchises Act, a franchisee may rescind the franchise agreement within 60 days after receiving the disclosure document if the franchisor failed to provide it or a statement of material change within the time section 5 of the Act requires, or its contents did not meet section 5, and within two years after entering into the agreement if it was never provided. Subway attributes its fee, investment range and royalty figures to its Franchise Disclosure Document, so keep the date you receive it. Each Act’s disclosure rule does not apply to some grants by a franchisee; a franchise lawyer can say whether it applies to your purchase.