Fred DeLuca: Co-founder of Subway
Business Owner · Food & Beverage
Fred DeLuca borrowed $1,000 from family friend Peter Buck at 17 to start a sandwich shop and grew Subway into the largest franchise in the world.
About Fred DeLuca: Co-founder of Subway
Frederick Adrian "Fred" DeLuca (October 3, 1947 to September 14, 2015) was an American businessman, co-founder and president of the Subway fast-food restaurant franchise with Peter Buck. During his tenure Subway grew into the largest franchise in the world. DeLuca was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian American parents Carmela and Salvatore DeLuca. At ten he moved to Amsterdam, New York, where his family became friends with Peter Buck, and as a teenager he moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut, graduating from Central High School in 1965; he realized a dream of going to college by graduating from the University of Bridgeport. In high school he began dating schoolmate Elisabeth, who had immigrated to the United States at seven with her parents of East Prussian origin, and they married in 1969. In 1965, 17-year-old DeLuca borrowed $1,000 from family friend Peter Buck, after Buck suggested the idea to help him make money for college to study medicine. DeLuca's plan was to begin a fast-food venture that provided a healthful, less fattening alternative. Sources: English Wikipedia (Fred DeLuca, accessed September 2026).
Basic Information
Co-founder and president, Subway (1947-2015)
Company Details
Subway (Doctor's Associates)
Fast Food, Franchising