Subway store closures and the future of Central West locations

For years ago there were 1444 stores across Australia, but this has since fallen by 9.2 per cent to 1311, data from research firm Technomic says.

In the NSW Central West, the retailer has 15 stores including: Dubbo (4), Bathurst (3), Orange (2), Lithgow, Cowra, Young, Parkes, Forbes and Mudgee.

A Subway spokeswoman claimed Technomic's data was incorrect and it had 1353 restaurants, but she would not be drawn on the future of stores in this region.

Australian Community Media asked Subway whether it planned to close or open any new stores in the Central West and was told it was "committed to its restaurants in regional NSW".

"Subway is committed to sustainable business growth and is continually reviewing and optimising restaurant locations for maximum franchise owner profit," the spokeswoman said.

When asked why 133 stores across Australia had closed since 2015, ACM was told that restaurant ownership changes occur in all healthy franchise systems, including Subway, and for a variety of reasons.

"[It is] similar to any retail business - unsustainable rent hikes, site suitability, reduced pedestrian traffic and lease completions are factors for relocations and changes to our restaurants," the spokeswoman said.

In recent years sandwich giant has been battling changing consumer eating habits and the spokeswoman said it had "recognised the need to adapt to evolving consumer tastes".

"Our menu revitalisation, fresh restaurant design and convenient online ordering are delivering sales growth and increased franchise owner profit," she said.

"We recognised the need to adapt to evolving consumer tastes and we are continuing to innovate and modernise.

"In the past year Subway has revitalised our ingredients and flavour options and expanded our menu with new ranges of grilled wraps and paninis."

Daily Liberal