Fast-food chain Subway is planning a major expansion creating up to 5,000 jobs in the UK.
The American-owned company currently has 2,500 stores and plans to open 500 more across the UK and Ireland.
The firm said consumer demand was the reason behind the rapid expansion and plans to revamp its menu.
Subway’s UK director Peter Dowding said: “We already have a breakfast menu, but it’s a part of the day we need to work on.”
The fast-food giant overtook McDonald’s as the world’s largest restaurant chain more than six years ago, and will double closest UK rival Greggs after the expansion. It now plans to monopolise high streets as the largest fast-food chain in the UK.
Despite the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, Mr Dowding said the firm had so far not seen an impact and said it’s “business as usual”.
“Like any other business we’re waiting to see what the government does and will tackle it from there.”
Subway was founded in the US by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck in 1965 is now worth $7.1 billion (£5.4 billion)
The popular sandwich store offers its well-known “subs” – a foot-long, baguette-like sandwich with favourites such as the Italian BMT, meatball marinara and the tuna sandwich.
