FOOTLONG SUCCESS
BUSINESS TIMES
SUBWAY
SUBWAY
FOOTLONG SUCCESS SUBWAY’S GROWTH DOWN UNDER
Shane Bracken, Country Director for Australia and New Zealand, Subway
Project by: Malvern Kandemwa
Shane Bracken, the Country Director for Australia and New Zealand at Subway, leads one of the most recognizable global fastfood brands in a highly competitive market. With a wealth of experience in the food and beverage industry, Bracken has been instrumental in driving Subway’s growth and transformation in the region. His leadership is characterised by a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment
Words by: Michelle Duncan
to sustainability and technology. Shane has over 25 years’ experience in managing and driving growth for multiple MNC food brands across ANZ, Asia, Middle East & Africa. With taste, food, innovation and multi-regional development at the heart of his career, Shane joined Subway in 2022 and has quickly focused on driving brand growth and partner returns to ensure Subway is set for the future.
Subway in Australia & New Zealand holds a significant presence in the fast-food industry, offering a range of customizable submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps to customers across both countries. With a strong focus on fresh ingredients, customization, and health-conscious options, Subway has established itself as a popular choice for individuals looking for quick, fresh, and personalised meal options. One of the key strengths of Subway in Australia & New Zealand lies in its commitment to offering
a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. The brand’s “Eat Fresh” slogan resonates well with consumers seeking options that are both flavourful and nutritious. Subway’s menu features a variety of fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grain bread, allowing customers to tailor their meals to suit their preferences and dietary requirements.
Yarrows is proudly New Zealand owned and operated by the third generation of Yarrows.
Our state-of-the-art bakery in Manaia, New Zealand operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, employing 150 staff. We have been part of the Subway family for the past 25 years supplying a range of Subway breads and cookies to their New Zealand, Australia, and Asia stores.
Quality, Research & Development, Service, Logistics, and cost savings are our major focus in our relationship with Subway and IPCA.
www.yarrows.co.nz
Fresh, high quality bread is a key ingredient in Subway’s recipe for success
In addition to its menu offerings, Subway has also been initiative-taking in adapting to changing consumer preferences and market trends. The brand has introduced online ordering, mobile payment options, and delivery services to enhance convenience for customers. By embracing technology and digital innovations, Subway has positioned itself as a contemporary and customer-centric brand in the competitive fastfood landscape of Australia & New Zealand.
Subway’s franchise model has played a significant role in its expansion across Australia & New Zealand. The brand has a strong network of franchisees who run
stores in various locations, bringing Subway’s fresh and customizable menu options closer to local communities. This decentralised operating model has allowed Subway to maintain consistency in its offerings while catering to diverse tastes and preferences in different regions. Worldwide, Subway employs nearly half a million people, if you include all the franchisees, and is the world’s largest restaurant brand with nearly 44,000 locations in more than 100 countries. In 2019, it reported revenue of US$16 billion (A$21 billion). However, just as the Australian business took time to get into its stride, its first few months in Bridgeport, Connecticut in 1965 had its fair share of problems.
It was the brainchild of 17-year-old Fred DeLuca, who needed to raise some money to go to college and figured that he could sell sandwiches that were healthier than the deep-fried snacks sold elsewhere. Luckily, one of his parents’ friends was nuclear physicist Dr Peter Buck, who agreed to lend the lad $1,000 to start the business. To show his gratitude, Fred called the venture ‘Pete’s Submarines’, but a few months later, when he’d raised enough to run a commercial on a local radio station, he realised he’d made a big mistake. Whenever the announcer said the restaurant’s name, it sounded like ‘pizza marines’, so he changed it to Pete’s Subway before eventually settling on Subway. Fred’s mum helped run the cafe in Bridgeport, while he convinced his sister to work for him making the rolls by calling her a ‘sandwich artist’, a job title that is still in use today. It took them 13 years to build up to 100 stores, but only another nine to reach 1,000. Under his leadership, it became the largest franchise in the world, and he personally amassed a US$3.5 billion (A$4.6 billion) fortune. He continued to run the company until his death in 2015.
Fred deLuca, Founder, Subway
MegaMex Foods (you may know us as Fresherized Foods) is one of the fastest growing Mexican Food companies in the US as a key supplier of Mexican products in retail, foodservice and convenience stores with businesses domestic and international. The idea behind the creation of MegaMex Foods was simple, to take the best of two power house brands from two countries and bring the flavors of Mexico to the dinner and restaurant tables across the globe. So, in October of 2009, Herdez del Fuerte, S.A. de CV of Mexico and Hormel Foods of the US did just that.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Under Shane Bracken’s leadership, Subway has initiated a comprehensive store redesign program. This involves modernising the interiors of existing stores with modern furniture, digital menu boards, and updated décor to create a more inviting and contemporary dining environment. Upgrades also include the installation of energy-efficient kitchen equipment and lighting systems, which help reduce operational costs and environmental impact. He has overseen the opening of new Subway locations in both urban and suburban areas. This expansion strategy aims to increase accessibility and convenience for customers.
To cater to changing consumer preferences, many new and existing stores are being equipped with drive-thru facilities and enhanced delivery options, including part-
More than a decade later, MegaMex remains focused on reimagining Mexican flavors with a market leading product and brand portfolio covering guacamole, avocado, salsa, sauces, and dips. Key international brands include WHOLLY® brand products made with handscooped Hass avocados. WHOLLY® products use High-pressure technology (HPT) to help extend the shelf life of the products and maintain the avocado’s delicious flavors and nutrients while eliminating potentially harmful bacteria, without changing the color, texture, or taste of the product. We continue to invest in innovation and capacity and look forward to delivering great-tasting, on-trend eating experiences for our customers.
nerships with major food delivery platforms. The Subway mobile app has been significantly upgraded to offer a seamless ordering experience. Features include customizable ordering, loyalty rewards, and mobile payments, making it easier for customers to place orders and track their rewards. Many Subway locations now feature self-service kiosks, allowing customers to place their orders quickly and accurately. This reduces wait times and improves the overall customer experience. Another major innovation set to be rolled out across city centre sites nationally is the ‘24-hour window’, where guests place orders via an app and pick them up from an express pick-up drawer. The first one was recently installed in an outlet at Bald Hills, Brisbane, and has proved extremely popular. After a long night out, biting into a cheesy garlic toastie followed by a raspberry cheesecake cookie at 1am is just what you need. Subway has embraced technolo-
gy to streamline its processes, improve service delivery, and personalise the customer experience. By investing in digital solutions and innovative technologies, Subway under Shane Bracken’s leadership has been able to stay ahead of market trends, meet consumer expectations, and drive business growth in a rapidly changing landscape. In his role as Country Director, Shane Bracken has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships to drive growth and innovation for Subway in Australia & New Zealand. These partnerships extend across various areas, including supply chain optimisation, marketing collaborations, and technology integration. By aligning with key partners, Subway has been able to leverage resources, expertise, and market insights to strengthen its position in the region.
Strategic partnerships with local suppliers, distributors, and industry stakeholders have enabled Subway to enhance its menu offerings, ensure product quality, and maintain a competitive edge in the market. The collaborations list of regular suppliers, including Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, Bega, Primo, D’Orsogna, Yarrows and Fresherized Foods among many others. “They have each been invaluable in helping us grow and maintain the highest standards, so our relationships are strong and deep-rooted,” and have also facilitated Subway’s expansion into new territories and market segments, driving sustained growth and brand visibility.
Shane has played a pivotal role in steering the business towards operational excellence, strategic partnerships, and technology innovation. Through a customer-centric approach, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on digital transformation, Subway has solidified its position as a leading fast-food brand in the region. With Shane Bracken at the helm, Subway continues to adapt to market dynamics, drive sustainable growth, and deliver exceptional dining experiences to its customers.
