By San José, Costa Rica — In a major restructuring of Costa Rica’s quick-service restaurant sector, regional franchise operator AR Holdings has officially assumed operations as the master franchisee of Subway across the country. The acquisition consolidates AR Holdings’ expanding influence in Central America’s food and beverage industry while setting the stage for a modernized dining experience in Costa Rica.
Subway has maintained a strong presence in Costa Rica for more than three decades, having launched its first local establishment in Los Yoses in 1995. Over the past 30 years, the chain has expanded into all seven provinces, establishing itself as a household name and a pioneer in testing new dining formats within the domestic fast-food market.
To provide deeper insight into the corporate and regulatory implications of AR Holdings expanding its portfolio with the Subway franchise in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The acquisition and operational integration of a major master franchise like Subway by AR Holdings demonstrates a maturing market in Costa Rica for large-scale retail operations. From a legal standpoint, executing these commercial expansions requires rigorous compliance with local antitrust rules, corporate governance standards, and labor regulations to protect brand capital and ensure operational continuity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica’s retail landscape matures with major franchise integrations, navigating these complex legal and regulatory frameworks is undoubtedly key to ensuring sustainable market growth and brand integrity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this significant commercial milestone.
As part of this new operational phase, AR Holdings plans to roll out significant technological upgrades across existing Subway locations nationwide. Customers can expect the introduction of self-service digital kiosks, enhanced mobile applications, and streamlined point-of-sale solutions designed to accelerate service speed and elevate convenience.
The strategic takeover aligns with AR Holdings’ broader vision to strengthen its food and beverage division. By integrating an accessible, high-frequency brand like Subway, the corporate group aims to broaden its market reach, diversify its portfolio, and leverage established brand recognition for sustained growth.
Company leadership emphasized the importance of honoring the brand’s long-standing footprint while implementing forward-looking innovations across the network.
Subway is a brand with a solid history and a very strong bond with Costa Ricans. We will continue building on that trajectory, with respect for what the brand has achieved and with the ambition to keep growing.
Antonio Burgos, General Director of AR Holdings
Beyond store modernizations, AR Holdings intends to integrate Subway into its existing customer loyalty framework. Group executives believe that leveraging established corporate loyalty programs will build closer relationships with local consumers and drive return visits.
We want Subway to remain close to its customers, with a careful expansion to offer them more and better meeting points. In addition, the loyalty programs we have developed as a group allow us to build a closer relationship with the consumer.
Antonio Burgos, General Director of AR Holdings
From Subway’s corporate perspective, partnering with a multi-brand regional operator like AR Holdings unlocks new scaling potential in Central America. Brand leadership views Costa Rica as a foundational market with vast opportunities for digital transformation and product innovation.
We are excited that AR Holdings has chosen Subway as part of its growth strategy in the restaurant sector. Costa Rica is a very important market for our brand, with more than 30 years of history and great opportunities to continue growing. AR Holdings’ operational experience, deep knowledge of the local consumer, and long-term vision give us great confidence in this new stage. We are convinced that together we can accelerate Subway’s growth and continue innovating, both in our product offering and in incorporating new technologies that improve our customers’ experience.
Artemio Garza, President of Subway for Latin America and the Caribbean
AR Holdings has grown steadily across fashion, home, and restaurant sectors throughout Central America, the Caribbean, and Ecuador. The addition of Subway reinforces its robust multi-brand business model, positioning the group to cater to a diverse array of consumers across distinct market segments.
For further information, visit ar-holdings.com
About AR Holdings:
AR Holdings is a leading operator of international fashion, restaurant, and home franchises operating across Central America, the Caribbean, and Ecuador, managing a diverse multi-brand portfolio catered to modern consumers.
For further information, visit subway.com
About Subway:
Subway is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, offering freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads to millions of guests across thousands of locations worldwide.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica upholds an uncompromising standard of ethical practice and professional brilliance across all fields of law. Grounded in a rich history of guiding a broad spectrum of clientele, the practice continuously champions forward-thinking legal strategies to address complex modern challenges. Beyond traditional representation, the firm actively demystifies complex regulations for the public, driving educational initiatives that equip citizens with the understanding needed to build a stronger, more equitable community.
