Subway to Open 1,300 U.K. Locations

The sandwich chain has ambitious plans to blanket the United Kingdom with its shops, particularly eyeing units in service stations.

March 19, 2014

LONDON – Subway recently unveiled a comprehensive plan to open 1,300 new stores in the United Kingdom by 2020, Petrol Plaza News reports. Currently, the sandwich chain has nearly 1,800 locations in Ireland and the United Kingdom.

“The U.K. and Irish markets have been fantastic success stories for the Subway brand and we see opportunities for further growth as more and more consumers demand great tasting food at a value price-point,” said Mike Charest, assistant regional director for Europe. “The introduction of a varied breakfast menu and longer opening hours have been instrumental in increasing store footfall.”

Subway indicated it would focus on nontraditional sites for its new stores, including service stations and garages. In the United States, Subway often operates inside of convenience stores and gasoline stations. “In addition to our traditional store development we see new potential in settings such as universities, stations, convenience stores, hospitals, airports and petrol stations,” said Charest.

In the United Kingdom, all of its locations are run by franchisees. Petrol Plaza News points out that the chain’s expansion will be a welcome addition to the U.K. economy given its current total yearly contribution of more than £875 million.

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