Report: Subway to close around 500 U.S. stores, open more than 1,000 overseas

There could be a few hundred less Subway locations in North America - and Western New York - by the end of the year.

Bloomberg reports the world's largest restaurant chain expects to close about 500 stores, while opening more than 1,000 locations overseas.

Last year, Subway closed more than 800 stores nationwide, dropping its total number of U.S. locations to just below 26,000. The closures came as sales dropped 4.4%, due to increased competition from other fast food chains.

There are more than 50 Subway locations throughout Western New York, dotting the city streets of downtown Buffalo, main thoroughfares of the Northtowns and Southtowns, and various state and county roads in more rural areas.

All Subway restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees, and a spokesperson for the Connecticut-based company said there is not a list of locations that are on the chopping block.

The spokesperson said the anticipated moves come as part of an "aggressive revitalization plan."

"Looking out over the next decade, we anticipate having a slightly smaller, but more profitable footprint in North America and a significantly larger footprint in the rest of the world," the spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement.

Meanwhile, the chain is hoping to boost business by launching a new loyalty program, remodeling stores, and adding touch-screen kiosks for ordering.