Subway to Reopen Prague Location in 2027 as Part of Central European Expansion
Subway has announced plans to reopen a restaurant in Prague in 2027, marking the first step in rebuilding its Czech network after its footprint shrank from 21 locations to just four. The initiative is led by new regional partner Emerging Bites, which aims to open 300 restaurants across Central Europe over the next decade.
Subway has announced plans to reopen a restaurant in Prague in 2027, marking the first step in rebuilding its Czech network after its footprint shrank from 21 locations to just four. The initiative is led by new regional partner Emerging Bites, which aims to open 300 restaurants across Central Europe over the next decade.
The expansion effort covers Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia. While specific details regarding the number of future locations in Czechia remain undisclosed, Emerging Bites stated that its focus will include shopping centers and high-traffic urban areas.
Jan Čákora, Emerging Bites’ franchise development manager, told iDNES.cz that two Prague locations previously listed on Subway’s website had closed earlier this year, with online listings currently being updated. "Our goal is clear: to bring Subway back with new, modern restaurants, starting in 2027," Čákora said.
In addition to new openings, the company plans a gradual refurbishment of existing Czech locations. Upgrades will include digital menu boards, self-service ordering kiosks, and a loyalty program, with customers expected to see these updates beginning next year. Emerging Bites also intends to standardize menus and invest in supply chains, marketing, and operating standards, while maintaining made-to-order sandwiches, salads, and wraps as the core offering.
The Czech revival is part of a broader international push by Subway. The chain aims to approximately double its restaurant count across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to 10,000 locations by 2031. Over the past 18 months, Subway has signed six master franchise agreements covering 14 countries, with the Emerging Bites agreement specifically covering the five Central European markets.
Emerging Bites, based in Vienna, plans to operate more than half of the region’s new restaurants itself while supporting independent franchisees. The company has not disclosed the financial value of its planned investment in Czechia.
Elsewhere, Subway is expanding its partnership with British supermarket group Asda, planning up to 70 additional restaurants within supermarket premises. The chain already operates more than 120 locations within Asda stores globally. With more than 35,000 restaurants worldwide, Subway’s proposed 2027 Prague opening represents the first visible step in restoring a domestic presence that once extended across multiple major Czech cities.
W.Nam--SG