Subway franchise training and support

What Subway publishes

Subway’s FAQs ask “Does Subway have a required training program?” and answer “Yes! Subway offers a comprehensive 3-week training program. Training includes virtual training via University of Subway and in-person training at certified restaurants” (as published, read Oct 22, 2026). No hours, cost or specific location for the in-person portion is given on the page read. The Canadian Franchise Association directory shows a different training length for Subway; because it differs from the franchisor’s own page, this page quotes Subway only.

Purchasing and opening

Beyond training, the FAQs say that “Independent Purchasing Co-op (IPC) is the supply chain manager and exclusive purchasing agent for Subway restaurants”, which is the page’s answer to a question about guidance on purchasing equipment and supplies. On opening, Subway says it “takes about 4 to 12 months” whether developing from the ground up or building into an existing location, and that location type, site, permit and construction considerations can change that estimate. These describe a new opening; a resale already has its restaurant, and whether the purchasing arrangement applies to the restaurant you are buying is worth confirming with the franchisor.

If you are buying a resale

The FAQ does not say who must take the programme when a restaurant changes hands. Whether Subway requires a resale buyer to complete all, part or none of it, when it must be done and whether it has to be finished before closing are questions for the franchisor and for the franchise agreement — see does buying a resale require retraining? Ask in writing, and ask before you pay a deposit, because training that must be completed before a transfer is approved affects your timetable. Under Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act and British Columbia’s Franchises Act, where the disclosure rule applies, you must receive the franchisor’s disclosure document at least 14 days before the earlier of signing any agreement relating to the franchise and paying the franchisor or its associate any consideration relating to the franchise; each Act sets out exceptions, including for some grants by a franchisee.

What the training does not cover

Training teaches you to run the restaurant; it does not value it. The price, the lease, the remaining term and the cost of the next remodel are matters for the sale agreement and your advisers. A human advisor — a franchise lawyer and an accountant — should review the franchise agreement and the disclosure document before you rely on any figure here. For how a resale is approved, see who has to approve a franchise resale.