Subway, whose concessions are in hundreds of UK and Ireland convenience stores, has revealed plans to add another 500 stores by 2020.

The sandwich brand will shortly open its 2,500th UK and Ireland store in Bristol.

Peter Dowding, country director for UK and Ireland, said Subway’s franchise model was tried and tested and he was confident the business model would continue to grow.

“With 5,000 new jobs expected over the next three years, opening up 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,” he said.

The expansion plans come in response to what Subway said was consumer demand for more affordable quality ingredients and healthier choices.

The Centre for Economic and Business Research in a Subway-commissioned report found more than 82% of franchisees thought Subway stores had a positive effect on the local area surrounding their store.