[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 144 (Friday, October 2, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING SUBWAY FOUNDER FRED DeLUCA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 2, 2015

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is with the heaviest of hearts that I 
rise today to pay tribute to one of Connecticut's and this nation's 
most successful entrepreneurs and my dear friend, Fred DeLuca, who 
recently lost his battle with leukemia.
  Born in Brooklyn in 1947 to Salvatore and Carmela Ombres DeLuca, Fred 
watched his father, a factory worker, work tirelessly to provide for 
his family. The family later moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut where 
Fred graduated from Central High School in 1965. Hoping to pursue a 
career in medicine, Fred enrolled at the University of Bridgeport. 
Though working at a local hardware store, his wages would not cover all 
of his college expenses. Fred knew he had to do something more and 
that's when he decided to open a sandwich shop and use his earnings to 
pay his college expenses.
  So, with a loan from a family friend, he rented a small store for 
$165 a month in downtown Bridgeport, built a takeout counter and opened 
his first sandwich shop on August 28, 1965. He called it Pete's 
Submarines in honor of his backer, but on their radio advertisements 
listeners misheard the name as Pizza Marines, so he changed it to 
Pete's Subway before settling on the simpler Subway in 1968. Though the 
first two shops were not a great success, the third, which opened in a 
better location, changed their fortunes forever.
  As the growing operation gained traction, Fred received a degree in 
psychology but gave up plans for a medical career. The business was 
incorporated and in 1974, halfway to the goal of owning 32 stores in 
the company's first decade, the partners adopted franchises as the key 
to growth--and it worked. In 1978 Subway opened its 100th outlet and in 
1987 its 1,000th. Since then, it has averaged 1,500 new restaurants a 
year, and in recent years it surpassed all competitors, establishing 
restaurants not only across America but throughout Europe, Asia, and 
Oceania.
  Fred was a reflection of what we all define as the American Dream. 
What began as a small business to pay his way through college became 
one of our nation's most beloved fast food chains. Fred never forgot 
from where it was he started. Whether through scholarships to help 
young students realize their dreams, grants to local non-profit 
organizations, or sharing his experiences and inspiring a new 
generation of young entrepreneurs, Fred gave back to his community and 
fellow man in so many ways.
  Fred DeLuca was many things--a brilliant entrepreneur, a savvy 
businessman, a generous philanthropist. I am grateful to have had the 
opportunity to know and work with him and I consider myself fortunate 
to call him my friend. I extend my deepest sympathies to Fred's wife, 
Elisabeth and his son, Jonathan, as well as his many family and 
friends. He will be deeply missed and leaves a legacy that is certain 
to inspire many.

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