With 16,700 units in 73 countries, fast-growing US franchise Subway now claims to rival McDonald's in the number of its outlets (although obviously not in terms of turnover).
Virtually all its units are operated by franchisees and currently there are about 80 in the UK.
Menu focus is on American-style "submarine" sandwiches, made to order in front of the customer using long rolls which are baked off on site from frozen. Menus include calorie counted products targeting the diet conscious. The company quotes start-up costs from around £75,000.
Subway