Subway to create 6,000 new UK jobs
SUBWAY, the sandwich franchise chain, has announced ambitious plans to open over 2,000 stores in the UK and Ireland over the next three year, creating more than 6,000 jobs.
The company, which is famous for its US-style foot-long rolls, said its expansion plans were fuelled by a growing consumer demand for “convenient, affordable” food on the go.
Subway has increased the number of franchises in the UK almost fivefold since 2005 and currently runs 1,423 stores. The group runs more than 36,000 stores worldwide.
President and co-founder Fred DeLuca, who opened his first restaurant in 1965 aged 17, said the franchise model, with its low start-up costs, was key to its success.
“We are particularly proud of the fact that over the years the Subway brand has been able to provide entrepreneurs with business opportunities where they can open and operate their own small business.”
The company had also agreed to display calorie information on all its menu boards and will sign a responsibility pledge with the government.
As well as traditional high street store development, the firm aims to tap into the non-traditional markets such as stations, convenience stores, hospitals, airports and petrol stations, mirroring a strategy being pursued by British baker Greggs, which currently trades from about 1,550 stores.
The fast food chain McDonald’s also said earlier this week that it will add at least 2,500 staff to its workforce across the UK in 2012.
•WM Morrison announced yesterday it has bought 10 former Best Buy stores from Carphone Warehouse to expand its childcare brand Kiddicare.com, which it acquired last year.
The supermarket said it will invest £15m converting the outlets and create 700 jobs. The first store is expected to open before autumn this year.