From the CT Post:
Subway founder Fred DeLuca has died, a company spokeswoman has confirmed.
Michelle DiNello, director of corporate communications at the Milford-based Doctor’s Associates, confirmed the death. DeLuca, a Bridgeport native, had been battling leukemia for several years.
DeLuca, the CEO, promoted his younger sister Suzanne Greco to president of the company in June while DeLuca battles leukemia
Subway–the world’s largest fast-food chain by number of stores–recently marked its 50th anniversary.
Full story here.
0
This is sad news. I used to love Subway, back in the ’70s. The quality has gone downhill over the years. De Luca did take fast food in another direction. He was a true innovator. Before Subway it was all burgers or fried chicken or batter-dipped fried fish with an inch-thick coating.
RIP, Fred!
It is interesting to focus on what Bridgeport as a base has produced for the world through the years. In a list that is not complete for certain, so I encourage others to make contributions, I think of the Singer sewing machines I have seen in Africa, SE Asia, Nepal, etc. I think of the way PT Barnum reached out to the world including Scandinavia for Jenny Lind, and other lands to create his entertainment brand. And beginning in the second half of the 20th century, Subway became the brand with the largest base in the world because of the dreams and work of a guy from Bridgeport.
Now I am not purposely remembering our manufactured exports as the Arsenal of Democracy in more than two 20th century wars, but leave that form of “global reach” to others. Where is our next inspired and productive Bridgeporter? Time will tell.
JML:
Jenny Lind was from Sweden. We also are the home for the Frisbee which I would think is a worldwide sport. What’s better than some Frisbee followed by a quick stop at Subway?!!!
Very sad, I was friends with the family. They were raised in Stone Ridge and moved to Amerage. Suzanne and I have been friends since we were 13. She was at my Bar Mitzvah.
Not only was Fred an amazing entrepreneur, he really knew how to take care of his family and friends. I have many friends he gave franchises to before they became Global. Every Country I had been to I’d send Fred and Suzanne a picture of Subway, the last being Israel. It has to be a very sad time for the family as Fred and Suzanne just lost their mother not even two years ago.
May he rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I am confident my friend Suzanne will make her brother proud as she is a very smart woman. I always had hoped Subway headquarters would have been the first corporate headquarters to be built on Steelpointe!
I also know Fred was very supportive of the Indians and the gaming industry. He will be missed. A real Bridgeport success story for our generation!
JTF,
I was in Stockholm recently and had the pleasure of learning more about the “Swedish nightingale” from a series sponsored by Norwegian Air. Each are Scandinavian countries still, aren’t they? Another “fact” that grabbed me was with Barnum for just one year she earned over $300,000. That was a lot of money in the 19th century. Ultimate Frisbee is attempting an entry into the Olympics I have heard. But what about the pies that were baked in the tins? What ever became of them and their producer? Time will tell.
JML, the building became Kolbe High School. Didn’t the pies became Table Talk?
Frisbie Pie was the building (since torn down) next to the trades school that became Kolbe (boys only) high school, which is now a charter school.
Steve, I would love to hear about your trip to Israel. I’m thinking about going next spring.
Quentin anytime, seriously. I have been there on both the Christian and Jewish tour. I have been all over Israel. I can bore you with thousands of pictures. I went to Israel and Egypt. We can get together for coffee or a beer and I can get you super psyched. It was one of my favorite trips!
Tom, I see the tradition of a quality education that prepares young adults for life carry on in that building.
Yes, JML; Bridgeport has a lot of positive “firsts” that should serve to inspire us (especially our kids in our public schools) to add to the list.
Excellent Steve, we’ll set it up in a couple weeks. Maybe croissants at Rick’s.
I’ll give you time to celebrate this week. 🙂
Quentin, are you trying to lure me into Rick’s store like Jennifer does with those cookies? Be advised, I will be wearing my Finch shirt! It was a big hit at St. Ann’s the other day! 🙂
Thank you Quentin, a few weeks would be fine and Harborview, perfect.
Quentin, the secret to getting Steve to show up is the food! Then ply him with liquor. When I give the secret signal, we will give him a new and improved wardrobe.
People like DeLuca make me proud to be from Bridgeport!