If you have fond memories of hot chicken carbonara and Black Angus steakhouse subs (not to mention those weird Quiznos sponge monkeys) but they’re hard to find these days, that’s because the chain has shrunk to a fraction of its former size. In the early 2000s, Quiznos had approximately 5,000 stores worldwide, including approximately 4,700 in the United States. Then, between 2007 and 2017, it lost 90% of its stores. Although Quiznos filed for bankruptcy in 2014, its stock price continued to plummet. The steep decline is due to a variety of factors, including a business model that essentially makes money by squeezing franchisee profits. While Quiznos remains in the shadow of its rivalry with Subway, it’s making moves that could be the start of a comeback.
The rapid decline of Quiznos in the early 2000s demonstrates how quickly the fortunes of the QSR industry can change. Even Subway, which has been a distant second to sandwich chain Quiznos for years, has its U.S. restaurant count at its lowest level in the past 20 years after closing more than 600 stores in 2024. By comparison, a Quiznos store that opened in Tucson, Arizona, that same year broke the company’s opening-day sales record. Although relatively small at the moment, this popular sub-brand is nimble and trying plenty of new things, some of which are starting to stick. New partnerships, a novel modular restaurant model that can significantly accelerate expansion and the self-awareness not to repeat the mistakes of the past are all part of the new Quiznos.
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When Quiznos opened in 1981 and started offering hot subs, it generated a lot of attention and business. Now, the company must do more to differentiate itself. The slogan of revival is comprehensive reform from the ground up. Quiznos was acquired by Rego Restaurant Group in 2018 and has turned a profit since March 2025 under a new CEO with its stores and updated kitchen equipment. Toasters have given way to deep fryers and grills, resulting in more diverse flavors and faster readiness for high-potential drive-thru sales categories. New items like the Asian Steak Dipper, Philly Steakhouse, and even a vegan protein-based Beyond Italian Sausage Sandwich are joining Quiznos’ updated menu of fan favorites.
The company’s 2022 partnership with Nebraska-based convenience store and gas chain Pump and Pantry also adds fuel to the fire (pun intended). After successfully opening four stores, the company plans to add six more. Expansion remains the key to success, which gave rise to Quiznos’ innovative Qube concept. These prefabricated stores require less time and space to set up and are fully equipped, making new store openings more streamlined. Most importantly, this attracts franchisees.