Subway became the world’s largest restaurant chain by number of locations in 2007.
The milestone reflected Subway’s rapid franchise-led expansion. Unlike many competitors, Subway relied heavily on franchisees operating relatively small sandwich shops, allowing the brand to enter shopping centers, neighborhoods, travel hubs, and other compact sites.
Subway overtook McDonald’s in total restaurant count during 2007. This measure counted locations rather than sales, profit, or customer visits, so it did not mean Subway had become the largest restaurant company by every business measure.
The distinction is also separate from Subway’s later changes in store count. Restaurant totals fluctuate as locations open, close, or change ownership. The 2007 milestone refers specifically to the number of branded locations worldwide at that time.