British fast food chain Pret A Manger plans to create 1,000 new jobs in 2013, with 500 of them in the UK, as part of its international expansion.
The move comes after the chain reported rise in profits in 2012. In fiscal year 2012, sales increased 17% to £443m with underlying profits also up 17% to £61.1m.
The chain plans to open between 45 and 50 stores worldwide in 2013, having opened 36 stores in 2012.
Pret A Manger chief executive Clive Schlee told Financial Times that 2012 was a strong year for the chain.
"We continued to invest in our core values, improving our menu, launching innovative employment schemes and building and refurbishing shops in all our markets."
The first Pret a Manger was opened in Hampstead, London, UK, in 1984. Presently, it has outlets mainly in the UK, with others in Hong Kong, the US and France.
The menu includes sandwiches, baguettes and wraps, hot wraps, cakes and slices, pots and desserts, cold drinks, hot drinks, crisps, and bakery items, as well as sushi, salads, and soups.
