Watami Acquires Subway Japan, Aims for 3,000 Outlets
In a significant move, Watami Co., a Japanese restaurant chain operator, has acquired the Japanese arm of the renowned sandwich chain Subway. This acquisition marks a major shift for Watami, which is primarily known for its "izakaya" pubs and "yakiniku" grilled beef restaurants.
With this acquisition, Watami plans to significantly expand Subway's presence in Japan. Currently, Subway operates 178 outlets in the country. However, Watami aims to increase this number to a staggering 3,000 outlets over the next 25 years.
The acquisition is driven by Watami's desire to appeal to a younger demographic. As Watami Chairman and President Miki Watanabe stated, "It has been 40 years since we started the Watami brand and while we are popular among the older generation, we wanted to change the brand to one favored by young people."
Subway's reputation for healthy and flavorful sandwiches aligns well with this goal. The chain is known for its customizable sandwiches packed with fresh vegetables and delicious fillings. Additionally, Watami plans to utilize its own organic farm to supply produce for the Subway sandwiches, further enhancing their appeal to health-conscious consumers.
hamburgers or sandwiches.
This acquisition positions Watami as a major player in the Japanese fast-food market. With Subway's established brand and Watami's ambitious expansion plans, the future looks bright for Subway in Japan.