The Underground Story: Why is Subway Called Subway?

Subway, the ubiquitous sandwich chain, owes its name to a rather straightforward inspiration: it was originally intended to resemble a submarine sandwich shop, and the name “Subway” was chosen to evoke this image. Simple as that! But the full story, as you’ll discover, has twists, turns, and even a brush with a different moniker entirely. Let’s dive in.

The Birth of Pete’s Super Submarines

To understand the name, we have to rewind to 1965. A 17-year-old Fred DeLuca, seeking funds for college, was advised by family friend Dr. Peter Buck to open a sandwich shop. Buck provided an initial $1,000 investment, and together they formed a partnership. Their first venture wasn’t called Subway, though. It was initially named “Pete’s Super Submarines” in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The menu focused on, you guessed it, submarine sandwiches, those elongated delights piled high with fillings.

The “Super Submarines” part of the name highlighted the generously sized sandwiches, a key selling point. However, the name itself wasn’t quite catching on. It was a bit of a mouthful, prone to misinterpretation, and didn’t exactly roll off the tongue.

The Evolution to Subway

The transformation from “Pete’s Super Submarines” to “Subway” wasn’t a dramatic overnight decision, but rather a gradual evolution driven by practicality and marketing considerations. The first, and most crucial change was shortening the name. The longer name was a problem with marketing and advertising, and also sometimes misheard as “Pizza Submarines” on the radio!

Several factors led to the adoption of “Subway”:

• Simplicity: “Subway” was short, memorable, and easy to say.
• Memorability: A simple, and easy-to-remember name is very important in creating a popular brand.
• Imagery: It instantly evoked the image of a long, cylindrical submarine sandwich. The name also alludes to an underground passage for transportation, suggesting speed and efficiency – aligning with the fast-food concept.
• Marketing Appeal: The shorter name was easier to incorporate into logos, signs, and advertising campaigns.

The switch to “Subway” happened gradually over time as the brand expanded. It wasn’t just a cosmetic change; it was a strategic decision that contributed significantly to the brand’s success.

The Impact of the Name

The name “Subway” proved to be far more than just a label. It became a powerful branding tool, helping the company:

• Establish a clear identity: The name immediately communicated the core product offering: submarine sandwiches.
• Create a recognizable brand: The simplicity and memorability of the name made it easy for customers to recall and identify the brand.
• Facilitate expansion: The concise name allowed for easier adaptation in various markets and languages as the company expanded globally.

The chosen name had also helped contribute to Subway’s popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Subway’s Name

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about Subway’s name:

Why didn’t they keep the original name, “Pete’s Super Submarines”?

The original name was too long, difficult to remember, and prone to misinterpretation (especially in early radio advertising). The owners felt the need for a brand name that was more catchy and easier to remember.

Was there any other name considered besides “Subway”?

While the specifics of other considered names remain largely undocumented, it’s safe to assume that DeLuca and Buck explored various options. The simplicity and directness of “Subway” ultimately proved more appealing than any alternatives.

Did the name “Subway” influence the restaurant’s design or menu?

While the name was inspired by the submarine sandwich, it’s not directly responsible for specific design elements beyond perhaps reinforcing the long, narrow layout of some locations. The menu evolved based on customer preferences and market trends, not solely on the name.

Is there any connection between Subway restaurants and actual subway transportation systems?

No, there is no direct connection. The name is purely inspired by the shape of the submarine sandwich and, metaphorically, suggests speed and efficiency. Any association with underground trains is purely coincidental.

When exactly did the name officially change to “Subway”?

There wasn’t a single, documented “official” date. The transition was gradual, occurring as the business expanded and rebranded. By the time the franchise model was adopted and the chain began to grow significantly, “Subway” was the established name.

Has Subway ever considered changing its name again?

To date, there is no public evidence to suggest that Subway has seriously considered changing its name. The brand recognition and global presence associated with the name are simply too valuable to risk.

Did Fred DeLuca or Peter Buck come up with the name “Subway”?

While historical records are not definitive, it’s likely that both Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck collaborated on the name change. Given Buck’s initial investment and mentorship, his input would have been highly valued in making such a crucial decision.

Are there any trademarks or legal battles associated with the name “Subway”?

Subway, like any large corporation, has trademarked its name and logo. They have likely been involved in legal disputes over trademark infringement in various regions, though these are common occurrences for globally recognized brands.

How has the name “Subway” translated into different languages and cultures?

The name “Subway” has been successfully translated and adapted into many different languages and cultures worldwide. The relative simplicity of the word makes it easily pronounceable and recognizable, even in languages with vastly different phonetic structures.

Has the meaning of the word “Subway” changed over time, affecting the brand?

The core meaning of “Subway” – referencing a submarine sandwich – has remained consistent. While the word itself might evoke different imagery depending on geographical location (e.g., association with underground trains in some cities), this hasn’t negatively impacted the brand’s overall image or appeal.

Has the “Subway” name been used in any creative advertising campaigns?

Yes, the name “Subway” has been used cleverly in various advertising campaigns. For example, some campaigns highlight the speed and convenience of getting a sandwich, drawing a parallel with the efficiency of a subway system. Others focus on the long, customizable nature of the sandwiches, emphasizing the variety available.

Why do some older Subway locations still have slightly different variations of the logo?

Early Subway locations sometimes displayed slight variations in the logo due to franchise autonomy and evolving branding standards over time. As the company matured, it implemented stricter brand guidelines to ensure consistency across all locations, although some legacy signage may still exist.