SUBWAY FREEZES MARKETING FEES

Subway Australia has announced a financial assistance program to support its 1300 restaurants through the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) crisis.

Among the measures the global sandwich chain is taking is freezing marketing fees to help cashflow.

Country director for Australia, Chris Churchmichael, said “Subway has waived all marketing fees and will collect just 50 per cent of royalty fees, with remaining fees deferred until after the crisis.

“We will continue to monitor the impacts of coronavirus and consider further measures to support our franchise owners.”

Churchmichael said Subway had been working to develop a series of support packages, designed to provide immediate and ongoing relief for franchisees.

“While the health and safety of our teams and guests will always be our top priority, we are also very focused on assisting our franchise owners to navigate their way through this unprecedented crisis,” Churchmichael said.

Subway includes actively negotiating with lenders to help franchisee cashflow among its measures.

The franchisor is also talking with landlords and suppliers to ease immediate financial pressures and helping franchisees understand available government COVID-19 support programs.