001272 Burger King to Open 80 New UK Restaurants

London - Burger King, the world's second biggest fast food chain, said on Saturday it plans to open at least 80 new restaurants in the UK next year, creating around 2,500 full and part-time jobs in the process.

Burger King, a division of drinks giant Diageo Plc, aims to open 400 new restaurants in the UK over five years, with around 12,000 full and part-time jobs being created.

“2000 had been a very successful year for Burger King in the UK. We have enjoyed consistent sales growth and have underlined our commitment to operational and service excellence with a huge staff training investment,” Eric Bonnot, Burger King UK General Manager, said in a statement.

Burger King opened 796 new restaurants worldwide in 2000, bringing its global total to 11,200. More than 92% of the group's restaurants are operated by independent franchisees.

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