SUBWAY franchise plans 13,000 new jobs with 2020 store target

The SUBWAY® brand today set out ambitious plans to increase the number of SUBWAY® stores in the UK and Ireland to 3000 over the next six years, creating around 13,000 new jobs.

The expansion plans are in response to growing consumer demand for affordable, healthier choices which are made to order and extended opening hours that will cater for the growing breakfast to-go market.

There are currently 1,755 SUBWAY® stores in the UK and Ireland[1], all independently owned and operated by franchisees. Last year saw the brand reach a milestone of 150 store openings in the UK and Ireland with the introduction of new partnerships with organisations including Welcome Break and Euro Garages.

The SUBWAY® franchise model is a proven business with low start-up costs which makes it an ideal entry point for entrepreneurs. As the business has grown, so too has its positive contribution to the economy. Recently commissioned research from the independent consultants, Cebr, highlights the tangible contribution SUBWAY® stores make to the UK economy in terms of spend, employment and output.

Taking into account supply chain and employment, the brand’s estimated total annual output contribution to the UK economy is over £875 million while the total annual Gross Value Added contribution (GVA)[2] is £464 million.

SUBWAY® stores are significant employers, offering work to more than 8,600 people and supporting an additional 2,934 full-time equivalents in the wider economy. Alongside this, the brand has been making a growing social contribution with the launch of the SUBWAY HELPING HEARTS™ FAMILY 5k run series which encourages families to get active in conjunction with national heart health charity, Heart Research UK.

Mike Charest, Assistant Regional Director for Europe said: “The UK 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. The introduction of a varied breakfast menu and longer opening hours have been instrumental in increasing store footfall.”

“In addition to our traditional store development we see new potential in settings such as universities, stations, convenience stores, hospitals, airports and petrol stations.”

The SUBWAY® brand is a committed partner to the UK Government’s Public Health Responsibility Deal and the only Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) to have endorsed six nutrition-related pledges[3]. The SUBWAY REAL DEAL™ includes five of the options from the popular Low Fat Range[4] which reflects the brand’s commitment to making healthier options more affordable to consumers.

In 2013 the brand launched a new healthier Kids Pak™ with a choice of a BEAR Pure Fruit Yoyo and a Capri Sun Fruit Crush or water. Children can create their own Low Fat 4-inch Sub choosing the filling, bread, sauce and as many salad items as they want.
Adding to the Low Fat Range of Subs and salads, the brand also launched a new Low Fat flatbread range to appeal to those looking for healthier choices. The flatbread replaced the SUBWAY® wrap and is lower in calories, fat, saturates, sugar and salt and contains more fibre without compromising on taste.

The recent introduction of a £2 value breakfast including a 6-inch Breakfast Sub and a Tropicana juice or hot drink has further boosted success, resulting in increased customer footfall. The SUBWAY® breakfast re-launch sees opening hours extended at stores across the UK and Ireland. Most stores are now open from 7am–11am on weekdays.

Rachana Pancholi, SUBWAY® Development Agent and franchisee in Derbyshire and South Yorkshire said: “Our success is being built on the growing demand for healthier choices which are convenient. The introduction of a varied breakfast menu and longer opening hours have been instrumental in increasing store footfall.

We’re keen to offer rewarding, long-term careers to local people as well as providing a great opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to establish their own small business in the area. “

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