Subway plans rapid mainland expansion

American fast food chain Subway is planning an aggressive expansion drive in China, increasing its number of mainland outlets from 100 to 1,000 in the next seven years, state media reported. Michael Johnsen, Subway’s director of business development, said the chain would franchise stores for between US$115,000 and US$150,000 to fuel the expansion. Subway has over 30,000 stores in 87 countries worldwide, and differentiates itself from competitors KFC and McDonald’s with its focus on low-fat, healthful sandwiches.