Seattle -- Starbucks Coffee U.K. plans to create thousands of new jobs in the United Kingdom as it steps up its drive-thru program following three years of development and strong customer response to the convenience of Starbucks coffee on-the-go.

The move will see 200 new drive-thru stores opened over the next five years. Combined with openings of conventional stores over the same period, the company expects to create 5,000 new jobs.

Starbucks said about half of the new drive-though units will be operated under license by petrol forecourt retailer Euro Garages. The coffee giant also is developing a new drive-thru concept store.

“I welcome Starbucks' announcement, and I am glad to see continued investment and job creation in the private sector," said British Prime Minister David Cameron in a statement.