DENVER - Toasted sandwich QSR Quiznos announced earlier this week a global growth initiative that it says will expand the company's footprint from 25 countries and territories in which it currently operates to nearly 40 countries and territories in the next two years.

Specifically, the company is targeting markets in Central and South America, Europe, the Middle, and Southeast Asia.

"The global marketplace presents a significant opportunity for company growth, and these markets are ideal locations for Quiznos around the globe," said Lee Vala, Quiznos International Chief Development Officer. "Quiznos unique concept, quality ingredients and freshly toasted sandwiches translate extremely well across many countries and cultures. International expansion allows us to share our chef-inspired recipes with customers worldwide, and based on the tremendous reception of our brand in 25 successful international markets thus far, we??re confident customers in these new markets will respond enthusiastically to our menu."

Quiznos first launched an international presence in 1998 and grew its reach to 25 countries and territories by 2007. As part of its planned expansion, it is reaching out to qualified master franchisees with business expertise.

"The most vital component of entering a new market is the quality and strength of our local partner. A strong partnership bears a direct impact on the success of a new market," Vala said. "By working with dedicated, established local master franchisees, we gain valuable local knowledge. This local insight paired with our system knowledge and world-class business model is a powerful formula for success."