Euro Garages has chalked up its 50th integrated Subway store, following its latest opening at Leamore Service Station in Walsall last Friday (July 4). The opening, which will create 15 new jobs in the local area, marks the mid-point of Euro Garages’ strategic growth plans to invest in and open 100 Subway stores by 2016, creating around 700 new jobs.

Having successfully acquired and recently transferred 48 Esso forecourt sites across the Midlands and East of England in May 2014, Euro Garages is continuing to target such geographic locations as part of its national expansion plans across the UK. Euro Garages owns and operates more that 180 forecourt sites and employs just under 3,000 employees in the North West, North East, Yorkshire, Wales and the Midlands.

The Subway brand currently has more than 1,800 stores in the UK and Ireland. There are more than 400 Subway stores open or in development in non-traditional locations, such as on forecourt sites or within convenience stores.

“It is with great pleasure we announce the opening of our 50th Subway store and Euro Garages is proud to extend our fresh offer at Leamore Service Station,” said Ilyas Munshi, commercial director at Euro Garages. “The Subway brand is known for its strength in introducing the brand through effective convenience channels, and this partnership offers strong support for our own business. Reaching this milestone is testament to our investment people, capital and systems. We look forward to growing our estate to the 100th Subway store milestone by 2016."

Mike Charest, assistant regional director for Subway Europe, said: “The Subway brand partnership with Euro Garages is going from strength to strength and the opening of the 50th store is testament to that. The forecourt and convenience sector is a key area of growth for us. The simple operations that are involved in running a Subway franchise and the convenience offer make it a perfect fit for these type of locations.

“Euro Garages provides ideal forecourt locations for integrated Subway stores and the partnership allows for a collaborative approach that delivers a flexible business model, real-partner benefits, including increased footfall, on-going marketing support, sustainable sales and excellent business growth opportunities.”