Frederick Adrian DeLuca (October 3, 1947 – September 14, 2015) was an American businessman, who was the co-founder and president of the Subway franchise of fast food restaurants with Peter Buck.

[6] While in high school, Fred began dating his schoolmate Elisabeth, who had immigrated to the United States at age seven along with her parents of East Prussian origin.

[5] This was after Buck suggested the idea to help DeLuca make money for college[4][8] to study medicine.

[6] DeLuca's plan was to begin a "fast-food venture that provided a healthful, less fattening bill of fare".

DeLuca believed that the biggest mistake he made was where he set up his very first shop as it was a "crummy location.

[21] From 2015 to 2023, Subway had a net loss of approximately 7,000 restaurant locations, although it remains the largest sandwich chain in the US.

[22][13][23][24] DeLuca had homes in Milford, Connecticut, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida,[17] and lived with his wife Elisabeth.