Michigan’s Largest Fast Food Chain Is Quietly Leaving

Fast food has always been the easy answer when you didn’t feel like cooking, were running late, or just wanted something quick without having to burn a ton of money.

Now, that doesn’t always seem to feel that way.

Between higher prices, smaller budgets, and people cutting back from eating out, even some of the big names in the fast food industry are feeling it. That includes places like Subway, which happens to be Michigan’s largest fast food chain, according to Tasting Table.

Subway Is Still Michigan’s Largest Fast Food Chain

For years, Subway was a place you could find just about anywhere here in Michigan. Small towns, big cities, gas stations, and even strip malls. Whether you were grabbing a footlong, trying one of the newer menu items, or just going with the usual order you always grabbed, it was an easy option.

But just because something is familiar doesn’t mean that it is bulletproof.

READ MORE: Food Experts Say This Is Michigan's Best Fast Food Restaurant

Why Subway Locations Are Closing

According to a report, Subway has closed a net of 729 locations in the U.S. in 2025. That continues a trend that started back in 2014, when the chain’s total number of stores started to drop.

Fast Food Is Getting More Expensive

The reasons probably won’t shock anyone who has looked at a receipt lately. Food costs are up. Labor costs are up. Rent is up, and customers are being a little more careful about where their money goes now.

Some places have tried discounts and deals to bring people back in, but that also cuts into their profits.

Subway Is Shrinking, But Not Disappearing

Even with the closures, Subway is still massive. The chain reportedly still has 16,860 locations, keeping it ahead of McDonald’s, which has 13,706.

Subway does plan to open 100 new locations in 2026, but it hasn’t said how many more could close this year.