Subway Background Checks: Hiring Guide & FAQs

Subway began as Pete's Super Submarine Sandwiches in Bridgeport, Connecticut, founded in 1965 by 17-year-old Fred DeLuca and financed by family friend Peter Buck with a $1,000 loan. After several name changes, it became Subway in 1968 and began franchising in 1974.

The company grew rapidly through its franchise model, reaching 1,000 restaurants by 1987 and 5,000 by 1990. It first expanded internationally in 1984, starting with a store in Bahrain. As of 2023, Subway operates over 37,000 locations in more than 102 countries and territories, making it the largest single-brand restaurant chain. In 2024, private equity firm Roark Capital acquired Subway in a $9.55 billion deal after six decades of ownership by its founding families.

Subway operates exclusively as a franchise business and does not own or operate corporate restaurants. Each Subway location is independently owned and operated by franchisees who manage their own hiring decisions, policies, and procedures. This structure means that hiring requirements, background check practices, and workplace policies can vary by location and franchisee.

Subway generates revenue through franchise fees and ongoing royalties based on a percentage of sales. Individual franchise owners have autonomy in their employment practices, though they operate within the framework of Subway's brand standards and applicable employment laws.

Subway's organizational culture emphasizes boldness, excellence, fun, and diversity. The company provides training resources through the University of Subway, a web-based and mobile-friendly platform offering virtual and in-restaurant training experiences for franchisees and employees. Franchise owners can offer career development opportunities that show employees a clear path for growth within the organization.

The company maintains policies as an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. Because each location is independently owned, specific benefits, programs, and workplace practices are determined by individual franchisees.

Yes. Individual Subway franchisees and other similar employers may request background reports before or after making a contingent offer, typically through a third-party consumer reporting agency (CRA). Because each Subway location is independently owned, background check policies and practices vary by franchisee and location. Screening can help franchise owners validate candidates’ information and support a safer workplace.

Many employment background checks can be completed in three to five business days, but timing varies based on what screenings are ordered and how accessible records are. Database searches can close in minutes, while searches that require manual courthouse retrieval or follow-up paperwork may take more than a week. See Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times for more details about general report timeframes.

A background check report from a Subway franchisee or similar employer may include:

Lookback periods for a background check from Subway or similar retailers vary by state law and the employer’s policies. Many employers focus on the past seven years for most convictions, and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) limits non-conviction reporting to seven years. Certain roles may require more in-depth review depending on job responsibilities and regulatory requirements. Candidates should review state fair chance or Ban the Box laws to understand local limits.

Drug testing policies vary by franchisee and location. Some Subway franchise owners may require pre-employment drug screening or random testing, while others may not. Candidates should clarify drug testing requirements with the hiring manager at their specific location during the interview process. Industry standards and local regulations may influence whether drug testing is part of the hiring process.

Subway's minimum age requirement is typically 16 years old for restaurant positions. There’s no specified age for roles at corporate headquarters or regional positions. However, because each Subway location is independently owned, individual franchise owners determine whether they hire minors and at what age. State-specific variations exist:

Applicants under 18 should be prepared to provide proof of age and may need a work permit depending on state or local laws. Prospective employees should verify age requirements with their specific location when applying.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes requirements that employers must follow when ordering background checks. These protections include:

When applied, these protections give candidates an opportunity to correct errors and provide context about their background.

Running a background check on yourself with Checkr allows you to preview what a Subway franchisee may see during the hiring process and identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your application. Your secure report may include:

Create your report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To show your credentials proactively to hiring managers, build a free Checkr Profile you can share during the hiring process at Subway or similar retailers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal or visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and contact information for our support team.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.