Good Lifestyle

The drama of America's largest fast food chain is far from over. In the middle of a whirlwindRumors of a possible sale and a growing public discord between franchisees and management, a group of more than 100 anonymousMetro Operators Monday publishedan open letter at one of the owners of society. Their message, however, seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

The call to Elisabeth Deluca, one of the main shareholders of the Metro and the Widow of Founder Fred Deluca, is part of a public plea by unhappy franchisees who allege that their exploitation problems go largely ignored by society. In fact, some say that theirtries to communicate with the CEO John Chidsey have been completely inculproduced. (RELATED:This rapidly growing burger chain is close to the disappearance)

In the letter, the operators describe several charges to the detriment of the metro management, including that they are not allowed to improve the quality of their ingredients, while their signed deductible agreements may be modified by the company at any time. , without notice. The letter also alleges that the metro forced franchisees in decisions losing money - like opening new locations right next to existing competitors - and even recruited competitors to put business, a complaint that wasConfirmed by one of the metro inspectors In 2019.

The letter includes demands for more autonomy in the purchase of ingredients and the rental of their catering spaces and franchise agreements more just. In addition, in case of sale of the chain, they ask for 8% of the profits "as a sign in good faith for all the turbulence and their sorrow of love that we have endured throughout the history of 40 years and over the 'year."

Metro deniedEat this, not that! that it was preparing for a sale, saying in a statement that the open letter was not representative of most of its franchisees.

"This letter is not representative of the opinions of the vast majority of our dedicated franchised network. Subway engages in the long-term success of our franchisees and provides several franchisee forums to share comments, work by hand with them. Ensure that decisions are focused on maximizing their profitability, "said the chain." There are many exciting announcements - ranging from menus improvements to digital upgrades and new delivery options, at the Horizon and we look forward to sharing them with you in the coming weeks. The metro is not for sale. "

But according to a pair of sources behind the letter that spoke toEat this, not that!, the answer they hope to receive one of Ms. Deluca herself - are not yet materialized and frustration is mounted. Their group of more than 100 operators has now grown to include more than 200 operators representing more than 500 stores.

One of them, a long-term operator of several dozen stores that requested anonymity on retaliation concerns, recognized that problems existed at the metro prior to Mr. Deluca's death. However, the founder of the chain had almost exclusive authority, which facilitates the finding of solved problems. But Mr. Deluca apparently did not set up plans for a successor and that the Sandwich Empire he builds from the earth was left without a real chef after his death in 2015.

According to the operator, none of the provisional CEO of the company, Mr. Chidsey inclined, had enough power to really affect changes. This prompted the group of franchisees to turn to Ms. Deluca, owner of the majority alongside Dr. Peter Buck, the second original founder. Although she has never been involved in metro cases, she can be the only person with the power to do something.

"The owners are practical but have the entire business," the operator said. "It's time for them to take responsibility."

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