MILFORD, Conn. — Subway is preparing to open more than 2,500 locations in 2012, adding 25,000 foodservice jobs worldwide, including U.S. and Canada.

"Although we have become the world's largest restaurant chain this past year, it's more about the opportunities than the numbers," said Don Fertman, chief development officer.

"With each new Subway restaurant that opens, there is an entrepreneur that wants to own and operate his own small business and provide great food, exceptional customer service and job opportunities in his or her community."

Subway has sustained growth by opening non-traditional locations inside places such as convenience stores, factories, department stores, train stations, museums, hotel lobbies and even at the construction site of the World Trade Center in N.Y.C.