So not defending them, but the franchise owners were royally fucked by subway corporate. Lead on with a cheap buy in, be your own boss, make money, etc. subway takes advantage of it's franchises more than almost anyone else around. Things like requiring all food comes from corporate, no changes, even allowing rivaling franchises to open up next to you.

John Oliver does a good bit on it https://youtu.be/jDdYFhzVCDM?si=AMkHeXR5yIpZCu3l