Canadian fast-food chain Tim Horton’s has revealed plans to create 2,000 jobs as it continues its expansion across the UK.

Having opened its first outlet in the UK in 2017, the company said it hopes to open a store in “every major city and town” over the next two years.

The expansion is set to start later this year with a new drive-thru restaurant in Milton Keynes, according to The Telegraph.

Tim Horton’s currently has 23 different sites in the UK and is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which also owns Burger King and Popeye’s Chicken.

The move comes despite sales for the fast-food chain falling by more than 30% during lockdown, with sales at RBI also dropping more than 20% in the three months to July.

RBI chief executive, Jose Cil, said: “We cannot predict exactly when the dust will settle, but we’re confident that we will be well positioned to capitalise on opportunities for growth as we emerge from the crisis and continue toward the 40,000 restaurant goal we talked about last year.”

Kevin Hydes, chief commercial officer at Tim Hortons UK, added: “We are delighted to bring positive news this year to Milton Keynes and are thrilled to have secured a fantastic location for our most southernly restaurant in England, and closest to London for fans based in the region.

“With our previous openings causing overnight queues and fans travelling from up and down the country, we expect this to be a huge occasion for us. We look forward to engaging with the Milton Keynes community and know this is the start of exciting times to come.”