Subway has been named the top global franchise for the fourth year in a row.

The sandwich chain came first in the Top 100 Global Franchises list, published each year by website Franchise Direct.

The list ranks companies based on financial performance and corporate citizenship. Along with looking at system size, revenue, stability, growth, years in operation and market expansion, the Franchise Direct criterion also includes best practices in the area of franchisee support and training; environmental policies; and social responsibility.

“The Subway brand works hard to make it easy for entrepreneurs worldwide to open and operate their own business through our franchise model,” said Don Fertman, Subway’s chief development officer. “We provide initial and ongoing training for our franchisees, regional, and country offices to provide support. We are equally proud that we provide choice on our menus, including a number of healthier options, and have taken steps to be more environmentally responsible with our stores.”

In 2013, Subway opened 2,700 new locations worldwide, providing about 27,000 new jobs through the brand’s franchisees.

In the UK and Ireland, Subway surpassed 1,700 stores in 2013 and has recently announced plans to increase this to 3,000 over the next six years, creating around 13,000 new jobs.

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