Subway set for massive expansion with 500 new outlets to open across UK and Ireland

SANDWICH chain SUBWAY is aiming for a bigger bite of the fast-food market, with 500 new outlets by 2020.

The expansion in the UK and Ireland will create 5,000 jobs and take its total sites in the two countries to 3,000.

The commitment from the world’s biggest fast-food seller is another major boost for business in post-Brexit Britain.

It is also good news for struggling high streets, since three out of five Subway outlets are sited in town centres.

The firm, run on a franchise model, serves around three million customers a week in the UK and Ireland, generating £515million in sales a year.

It is known for its six-inch — and foot-long — sandwiches, including the Steak & Cheese, and the Meatball Marinara.

Peter Dowding, Subway’s UK and Ireland director, said the company was “confident”.

He added: “Our business model will continue to grow, as more and more consumers demand great tasting food at a value price-point.

“We expect 5,000 new jobs over the next three years.

“Opening a further 500 stores demonstrates not only the value of the business to our franchisees but also, collectively, the real and significant contribution to British and Irish economies.”

Mr Dowding, left, hailed the chain’s “fantastic growth”.

And he added: “Our franchise model is tried and tested — it works for entrepreneurs and it works for us.”

Subway’s 2,500th store in the UK and Ireland is due to open in Bristol in the coming weeks.

The brand’s total staff in the two countries is now expected to hit 24,000 by 2020.

A recent report for the Centre for Economic and Business research credited Subway as being crucial in attracting “greater footfall to high streets in general”.

It also found the company “supports and sustains the entrepreneurial ambitions and career progression of their franchise owners”.

There are around 44,000 Subways in 112 countries around the world.

It overtook McDonalds to become the world’s biggest fast-food chain in late 2010.