A trying year for Subway

No one would blame the headquarters staff of Subway for ringing out 2015 with a little extra vigor. It was a catastrophic year for the brand, with high profile setbacks and heart-breaking losses. Here’s a recap.

Technomic reveals that Subway is losing sales to fast-casual challengers like Jersey Mike’s, Firehouse Subs and Jimmy John’s.

The damage is quantified in Technomic’s Top 500 Chains ranking: Subway slips to Number 3 on a 3.3 percent sales decline during 2014.

Suzanne Greco, the sister of co-founder Fred Deluca, is named president and assigned day-to-day responsibilities so her brother can continue treatment for leukemia. 

Police and the FBI raid the home of Subway pitchman Jared Fogle. No reason is given publicly.

Subway suspends its 15-year relationship with Fogle until the investigation is concluded.

Reports emerge that Fogle is suspected of sex crimes involving minors.

CMO Tony Pace resigns his post, surprising the marketing community.

FBI subpoenas text between Fogle and a franchisee.

Fogle admits he paid minors for sex in exchange for sentencing considerations. His wife publicly announces she’s leaving him.

Subway says it had no inkling of Fogle’s lapses.

Fred DeLuca dies after fighting leukemia for two years.

After an internal investigation, Subway acknowledges there were warnings of Fogle’s inappropriate behavior.

A study shows that Subway’s reputation has been hurt by the Fogle scandal.

Subway offers to settle a class-action lawsuit over allegations its $5 Footlongs weren’t actually 12 inches.

Fogle is sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for sex crimes.

Promotions try to move Subway away from its $5 pricing, promising a 50 percent increase in meat on six-inch subs for an additional 50 cents.

Subway names a new CMO, Joseph Tripodi, formerly of Coke.

New social-media spots feature Tony Hale touting Subway as the best spot for lunch.