Subway NNN Investor Hub | Cap Rate Trends, Credit Rating Trends, Lease Terms & Due Diligence
Last Year Cap
7.7%
This Year Cap
8.2%
Cap Change
0.5%
Last Year Rating
BBB
This Year Rating
BBB
Rating Change
Stable
Subway – NNN Cap Rate Trend
Cap Rate Trends
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Tenant | Year | Cap Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5779 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,020 | 6.5 |
| 5780 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,021 | 6.3 |
| 5781 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,022 | 6.0 |
| 5782 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,023 | 6.3 |
| 5783 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,024 | 6.6 |
| 5784 | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | admin2 | 2026 04:17 AM | 7 Brew | 2,025 | 6.6 |
| Tenant | Year | Cap Rate |
Credit (what net-lease buyers care about)
Credit Snapshot
Subway
Subway Net Lease: Secure, Essential Investment
Subway is a nationally recognized quick-service restaurant brand commonly found in net lease investments. This guide reviews cap rates, lease terms, tenant credit, and key due diligence considerations for buyers and sellers.
For 1031 exchange buyers, Subway NNN properties are important to compare against Subway ground lease properties, as lease structure can materially impact pricing, financing, and long-term resale value.
Investors often target Subway assets for:
- Stable Income Potential
- Essential, low-cost dining demand
- Broad national brand recognition
- Attractive 1031 Exchange compatibility
Subway properties require close comparison of rent escalations, remaining lease term, extension options, and residual real estate value versus fee simple ownership.
Subway Properties for 1031 Exchange Buyers
Subway properties often trade differently than other net lease retail and QSR assets. Buyers should carefully evaluate lease structure, remaining term, renewal options, landlord responsibilities, and reversion rights to understand long-term risk and return.
Subway – Credit Trend (S&P vs Moody’s)
Tenant_Rating_Trend
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | TenantKey | Tenant | Year | Moody | SP | Moody_Grade | SP_Grade | Moody_GradeRank | SP_GradeRank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | 7eleveninc | 7-Eleven, Inc. | 2022 | Baa2 | A | Lower Medium Grade | Upper Medium Grade | 5 | 6 |
| 2 | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | 7eleveninc | 7-Eleven, Inc. | 2023 | Baa2 | A | Lower Medium Grade | Upper Medium Grade | 5 | 6 |
| 3 | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | 7eleveninc | 7-Eleven, Inc. | 2024 | Baa2 | A | Lower Medium Grade | Upper Medium Grade | 5 | 6 |
| 4 | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | 7eleveninc | 7-Eleven, Inc. | 2025 | Baa2 | A | Lower Medium Grade | Upper Medium Grade | 5 | 6 |
| 5 | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | admin2 | 2025 03:43 PM | 99centsonlystoresllc | 99 Cents Only Stores, LLC | 2022 | Caa2 | CCC+ | Substantial Risk | Substantial Risk | 2 | 2 |
| TenantKey | Tenant | Year | Moody | SP | Moody_Grade | SP_Grade | Moody_GradeRank | SP_GradeRank |
Subway Investment Market Statistics
AVERAGE SALE PRICE
BUILDING SIZE
AVERAGE NOI
LAND
$/SF RANGE
LEASE TERM SHOWN
Subway Investor Snapshot (Quick Facts)
Origins & Growth (Past)
- Founded as sandwich shop
- Focused on affordable meals
- Expanded through franchising model
- Grew rapidly across U.S.
- Built global restaurant network
- Emphasized customizable menu offerings
- Became largest sandwich chain
Where Subway Stands Today
- Large global restaurant footprint
- Leader in sandwich QSR segment
- High daily customer traffic
- Franchise-driven operating model
- Expanding menu innovation
- Growing digital ordering capabilities
- Focus on cost efficiency
Where Subway Stands Today
- Menu innovation focus
- Increased automation efforts
- Digital ordering growth
- Stronger customer loyalty
- Optimized store formats
- Global market expansion
- QSR demand tailwinds
Why investors buy Subway NNN Properties or Subway ground Lease Properties?
Pros (what buyers like)
- Recognized global QSR brand
Well-known sandwich chain with long operating history and broad market presence - Affordable, daily-use dining
Low-cost menu drives repeat, needs-based customer traffic - Flexible real estate locations
Stores located in strip centers, urban areas, and neighborhood retail corridors - Attractive entry pricing
Lower price points compared to other NNN QSR assets appeal to 1031 buyers
Cons (what can bite you)
- Franchise credit variability
Most locations are franchise-operated with varying operator strength - Lease structure variability
Some deals are NN or modified NNN with landlord responsibility exposure - Flat or limited rent growth
Many leases feature minimal increases or option-based bumps - Re-tenanting risk
Small-format or inline spaces may depend on tenant mix and location quality
Investor Decision Framework (Buy / Hold / Sell)
✓ Strong “Buy Box” for a Subway Net Lease
• 8–12+ years term remaining (or 5–10+ with options) • Absolute NNN or clean NNN lease structure • High-traffic retail corridor location • Strong franchise operator performance • Rent aligned with market fundamentals
02
⚠ Yellow Flags (Price Accordingly)
• NN lease with landlord responsibility exposure • Flat rent with minimal increases • Weak franchise operator performance • Poor visibility or access issues • Inline location with limited control
Find out more
Subway Background & History
Subway is a global quick-service restaurant brand best known for its network of sandwich shops offering customizable, made-to-order meals. What began as a small sandwich shop concept evolved into a franchise-driven model focused on affordability, speed, and convenience.
Over time, the company expanded rapidly across the U.S. and internationally, building one of the largest restaurant footprints in the world. Today, customers rely on Subway locations for quick, low-cost meal options that fit daily routines and on-the-go lifestyles.
As consumer preferences shifted toward convenience and value, the brand adapted through menu innovation, streamlined operations, and smaller-format store designs that support efficient service and consistent transaction volume.
Why Subway Matters to NNN Investors
Today, Subway operates a vast global network of restaurants, serving millions of customers each day. The business model is centered on repeat visits, affordable pricing, and locations positioned in high-traffic retail corridors, urban areas, and neighborhood centers.
Most locations are franchise-operated, which allows for rapid expansion but introduces variability in operator performance. In addition, the brand continues to invest in menu updates, digital ordering platforms, and operational improvements to support unit-level sales.
This focus on value-oriented dining helps explain why Subway remains relevant across different economic environments. Management continues to refine store formats and operations to align with evolving consumer behavior and demand for convenience.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Evaluate
For investors evaluating Subway NNN properties, a Subway net lease, or a Subway ground lease, the investment thesis is typically centered on location quality and franchise operator strength. As a result, buyers often place greater emphasis on lease structure, guarantor strength, and site fundamentals than on brand recognition alone.
Common searches include Subway real estate, Subway cap rate, Subway lease term, Subway tenant credit, and franchise performance. Ultimately, Subway net lease value is driven by site-specific factors, lease economics, and how the location performs within its trade area.
As consumer habits continue to emphasize convenience and affordability, the strongest Subway locations tend to be those with consistent traffic and strong operators. Buyers and sellers should therefore evaluate each property individually, including visibility, access, surrounding tenant mix, competition, and lease language that defines landlord responsibilities.
In addition, investors should consider long-term cash flow durability, franchisee credit quality, and how the asset may perform across different hold periods and exit strategies.
our team of experts are here for you
Our team helps investors evaluate NNN properties with practical, market-based guidance. In addition, we support buyers and sellers with lease review, pricing analysis, and due diligence strategy.
Whether you are comparing Subway ground lease properties or fee simple Subway assets, we can help you review the details that affect risk and long-term value. As a result, clients can make more confident decisions based on lease structure, location quality, and investment goals.
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