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Two arrows were added to Subway’s logo for a key reason – but the simple meaning behind it isn’t immediately obvious

SUBWAY has been a fan favorite fast-food chain for decades.

The sandwiches are tasty, the service is quick, and there’s always one close by.

The two arrows found in Subway's logo has a deeper meaning
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The two arrows found in Subway's logo has a deeper meaningCredit: Getty
The arrows reflect the chain restaurant's service mentality
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The arrows reflect the chain restaurant's service mentalityCredit: Getty Images - Getty

It’s easy to recognize fast-food chains like Subway because of their world-famous logos.

But how do these logos come to be and what do they really mean?

The Subway signage features white and yellow lettering, with arrows coming off the “S” and the “Y.”

The reason for this simple flourish is more than just aesthetic.  

The arrows represent the entering and exiting of a subway car and further symbolize the speedy service that Subway employees offer to their customers.

The logos of other fast-food chains, like McDonald’s, have more dubious meanings.

The golden arches that we’ve come to know and love actually bring forth images of maternal love—the M’s humps are supposed to look like a pair of breasts.

This motherly symbolism aims to make customers feel comfortable and taken care of.

Author Eric Schlosser claimed in  that Cheskin convinced McDonald's executives that the golden arches - which were actually breasts - would help boost their sales.

He referred to the golden arches as "mother McDonald's breasts."

He claimed they provided some type of Freudian significance in the subconscious mind of customers.

And clearly, he was right because it's been 57 years since the idea was first generated and McDonald's continues to be one of the most popular fast-foods around the world.

And while some locations have undergone some renovations, the original design is still definitely bringing in business.

The McDonald's golden arches symbolize more than the letter M
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The McDonald's golden arches symbolize more than the letter MCredit: Getty

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