Fred de luca |
The Seventeen-Year-Old Entrepreneur
Back in 1965, Fred DeLuca set out to fulfill his dream of becoming a medical doctor. Searching for a way to help pay for his education, a family friend suggested he open a submarine sandwich shop.With a loan of $1,000, the friend—Dr. Peter Buck—offered to become Fred’s partner, and a business relationship was forged that would change the landscape of the fast food industry.
The first store was opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut in August, 1965. Then, they set a goal of having 32 stores opened in 10 years. Fred soon learned the basics of running a business, as well as the importance of serving a well-made, high quality product, providing excellent customer service, keeping operating costs low and finding great locations. These early lessons continue to serve as the foundation for successful SUBWAY® restaurants around the world.
Subway The Franchise
By 1974, the duo owned and operated 16 submarine sandwich shops throughout Connecticut. Realizing they would not reach their 32 store goal in time, they began franchising, launching the SUBWAY® brand into a period of remarkable growth which continues to this day.
Among of product
SUBWAY STRATEGY
Eat Fresh - Subway’s slogan is perfect. How much more simple could they make their slogan to imply so much? Does any other national food chain come close to competing? You can see your food being made with tons of leafy greens piled high right before your eyes.
Picking a Fight - Subway uses its own products against the competition in their quest to elevate themselves. Subway says look at how bad McDonald’s or Burger King is for you and look how great our food is for you. The names, products and health information of different brands are listed right on Subway’s packaging and marketing material.
Same but Different - One of the biggest reasons I personally love going to Subway is for the food and how it is the same sandwich yet it is just a little bit different every time. I can order the same Roasted Chicken Breast sandwich from 5 different Subway Restaurants and they will be just a little bit different each time. Not to mention a few extra or fewer veggies or sauces adds an element of satisfaction you are looking for at that moment. Having the ability to add or take away as you see fit is a nice and welcomed change from the other fast food joints.
All Food, All Hours - Most fast food restaurants have to switch systems over in order to make breakfast items vs regular menu items. Subway doesn’t have this problem because they are only adding egg as an additional element. No matter what type of person you are, you’re able to enjoy breakfast for dinner and visa-versa.
A Fresh Future
Today, the SUBWAY® brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 34,000 locations around the world. We’ve become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious meals that the whole family can enjoy. From the beginning, Fred has had a clear vision for the future of the SUBWAY® brand. As we continue to grow, we are guided by his passion for delighting customers by serving fresh, delicious, made-to-order sandwiches.
What we can learn from true story of DE Luca
1. He did not settle for a regular job in the hardware store, as most ordinary teenagers in his position would have done to pay their bills, because he was motivated by a higher ideal: going to college to become a doctor.
2. He leveraged his relationship with Buck to develop an original idea in the restaurant business.
3. He did not give up after his initial failure of his first restaurant, but instead dreamed even bigger. When this second failed, he added yet another store. After his third store, he finally turned a profit.
4. Finally, when he was not achieving his goal of having 30 restaurants in 10 years, only getting half that number, he came up with the idea of creating an owner-operator business. Franchising resulted in tens of thousands of Subway stores around the world.
5. Today, when most people would have retired to a life of ease, he still pursues his vision of becoming the fastest growing franchise in the world.
Thank you..