Brand spotlight

Does Subway Hire 16-Year-Olds?

Many Subway franchises hire 16-year-olds as sandwich artists and cashiers. Managers look for teens who are friendly, coachable, and committed to food safety. Bringing a polished resume, availability grid, and eagerness to learn standardized recipes signals that you are ready to represent the brand with confidence.

Before applying, understand Subway's focus on fresh ingredients, quick service, and customizable orders. Think about times you followed instructions carefully, organized ingredients, or helped serve guests quickly. Highlight volunteer work, school events, or family responsibilities that demonstrate your attention to cleanliness and teamwork. Subway managers appreciate candidates who can multi-task without sacrificing accuracy.

Interviews usually cover food safety awareness, customer service, and stress management. Practice explaining how you maintain clean workstations, handle errors gracefully, and stay polite when lines grow. Bring a clear availability grid showing coverage for evenings, weekends, and busy lunch periods. Mention that you are comfortable memorizing menu combinations and using portioning guides.

After interviewing, send a thank-you note summarizing what excites you about the restaurant and how you plan to learn quickly. Follow up within two days if you have not heard back. Consistent communication, paired with a job kit that includes resume, availability, and references, helps you stand out during franchise hiring waves.

Apply online

Search for Subway positions on the franchise's hiring portal or third-party job boards. Filter for locations within commuting distance and confirm that the store hires at 16.
Prepare your resume with bullet points that highlight customer service, attention to detail, and teamwork. Mention any food prep or volunteer experience. Save the document as a PDF.
Complete the application thoroughly, including sections about availability and prior experience. When prompted, describe how you follow instructions, keep areas clean, and interact with guests politely.
Call or visit the store two days after submitting the application. Introduce yourself, mention your submission, and ask about next steps.

Walk-in application tips

Visit outside of peak lunch hours, ideally mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Wear neat attire, bring your resume folder, and greet the staff warmly.
Ask to speak with the manager or shift lead. Explain why you enjoy Subway's mission of fast, customized service and how you can support the team during rushes.
Offer your availability grid and discuss your willingness to learn recipes, handle prep, and maintain a spotless line. Ask about training length and uniform requirements.
Thank the manager, leave your resume folder, and follow up within 24 hours via phone or email to reinforce your interest.

Resume bullets you can copy

Resume bullet 1

Prepares ingredients for school fundraisers; labels items clearly and keeps prep areas clean and organized.

Resume bullet 2

Handles customer questions with patience; offers solutions quickly and remains upbeat during busy periods.

Resume bullet 3

Memorizes recipes and follows portion guides; double-checks orders before serving to ensure accuracy.

Resume bullet 4

Balances school and extracurriculars with reliable transportation; arrives early and communicates schedule shifts promptly.

Finish your packet

Pair these bullets with a polished resume and an availability grid. Managers at Subway hire faster when teens walk in prepared.

Open resume builder Plan availability

Frequently asked questions

Do all Subway locations hire at 16?Show

Most do, but each franchise owner sets policies. Some stores require applicants to be 17 or 18 for late-night shifts. Contact the location directly to confirm age requirements before applying.

How can I show I understand food safety?Show

Mention food handler cards, family meal prep responsibilities, or classes where you learned safe temperatures and cleaning routines. Emphasize that you wash hands frequently and follow sanitation checklists.

What should I expect from training?Show

Training usually covers portion control, bread handling, cleaning schedules, and customer service scripts. Be ready to take notes, practice ingredients repeatedly, and ask clarifying questions.

How should I handle a customer who wants a custom sandwich with unusual requests?Show

Listen carefully, confirm the order back to them, and follow the steps on the sandwich build chart. If you are unsure, ask a supervisor for help while keeping the tone positive.

Can I pick up extra hours during school breaks?Show

Yes. Subway franchises often need more coverage during holidays and summer. Update your availability in advance so managers can schedule you before shifts fill up.