Is Jersey Mike's Subs right for you?
Proven Scale
2,647 franchised units at end of 2023 with net system growth of 286 locations that year.
the financial-performance disclosure Disclosure
the filed disclosures reports average, median, high, and low gross receipts for 2,138 qualifying locations across 2021-2023.
Established Brand
67-year operating history with strong same-store momentum and national advertising support.
About Jersey Mike's Subs
Jersey Mike's Subs is a submarine sandwich chain founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey by Peter Cancro. The company, now franchised by A Sub Above, LLC, operates more than 2,600 locations across the United States as of 2023. It specializes in made-to-order subs using proprietary recipes, fresh ingredients, and a distinctive preparation style that emphasizes quality and speed for both on- and off-premise consumption.
Jersey Mike's restaurants prepare and serve a menu of hot and cold submarine sandwiches, wraps, salads, and beverages. Operations center on a standardized system that includes specific store design, ingredient sourcing, recipes, and service procedures. Franchisees manage day-to-day restaurant execution, supply-chain compliance, and local marketing within a non-exclusive designated area typically defined by a 0.5 to 1 mile radius.
JMFS is a New Jersey corporation that was the former franchisor of the JERSEY MIKE’S franchise system from February 1987 to December 2019 before the 2019 Securitization Transaction. It is the parent company of all JERSEY MIKE’S related entities and continues to provide management services.
The business model
How a Jersey Mike's Subs territory actually makes money at the unit level.
Initial Franchise Fee
Single-unit franchise fee is $18,500. Area development agreements carry a $50,000 development fee that replaces or reduces certain unit fees.
Ongoing Fees
Royalty of 6.5 percent of gross receipts. Advertising contribution currently totals 5.0 percent of gross receipts allocated across national, corporate, and cooperative funds.
Total Investment Range
Estimated initial investment for a typical 1,000-2,000 square foot inline location ranges from $203,583 to $1,317,005. Figures exclude non-traditional, standalone, drive-thru, and international formats.
Supply Chain Structure
Franchisees must purchase approximately 85 percent of products from approved or required suppliers including proprietary meats, cheeses, bread, and paper goods distributed primarily through Sysco. The franchisor and affiliates retain all supplier rebates.
Territory Rights
Non-exclusive designated area of 0.5-1 mile radius. Franchisor reserves rights to non-traditional venues, alternative distribution channels, and competing brands within the same geography.
System Growth
Net addition of 851 franchised units from 2021 through 2023. 2024 projection calls for approximately 300 new outlets.
Quick facts
Initial franchise fee
$18,500
Total investment range
$203,583 to $1,317,005
Royalty
6.50% of gross revenue
Marketing fund
5.00% of gross revenue
Founded
1956
Headquarters
Manasquan, NJ
Active US franchisees
60
Total US units
60
Training & support
What the franchisor + parent platform provide. And what they don't.
What's provided
- +Comprehensive initial training program for franchisees and key managers covering operations, food preparation, customer service, and business management.
- +Training conducted at designated company locations and includes both classroom and in-restaurant instruction.
- +Ongoing field support from operations team and access to continuing education programs up to twice per year.
- +POS system training and support package included with monthly technology fee.
- +Replacement training available for new managers at $2,500 per person.
- +Access to proprietary Teamworx software and gift card program tools when elected.
Honest disclosure: what's NOT provided
Item 11 does not specify exact training hours, exact training location, or a detailed curriculum outline. Ongoing operational support details are not enumerated beyond general references to field coaching and continuing education.
Multi-unit growth path
Jersey Mike's has a substantial multi-unit ownership community although aggregate operator data shows limited multi-unit representation among surveyed franchisees. Area development agreements allow qualified operators to commit to multiple units under a defined schedule. Successful single-unit operators can typically expand by exercising renewal or development rights, subject to franchisor approval and performance standards. The system added nearly 300 net units annually in recent years, creating ongoing opportunities for existing franchisees to build scale.
Capital + financing paths
Most operators use one of these four paths to fund the initial investment.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
Many Jersey Mike's franchisees utilize SBA-guaranteed loans for a significant portion of the initial investment. Standard terms apply subject to lender underwriting.
Equipment & Lease Financing
Specialized lenders offer financing or leasing for kitchen equipment, furniture, signage, and POS systems, reducing upfront cash requirements.
Franchisor Relationships
Jersey Mike's maintains relationships with preferred lenders and may provide referral introductions although it does not directly finance franchisees.
Conventional Bank & Private Capital
Strong credit profile and proven operator track record can secure conventional commercial loans or private investment for multi-unit development.
Process timeline: inquiry → grand opening
Typical 12-16 week path from first call to launching your first customer route.
Discovery & Qualification
Review the filed disclosures, speak with franchisor, and submit application. Complete financial and operational due diligence.
Franchise Agreement Signing
Pay $18,500 initial franchise fee. Execute franchise agreement and, if applicable, area development agreement.
Site Selection & Lease
Identify and secure approved location within designated area. Pay $5,000 real estate and construction fee plus $12,500 grand opening advertising contribution upon lease signing.
Design & Construction
Engage approved architect and contractor. Complete build-out of 1,000-2,000 square foot inline space including leasehold improvements, signage, and equipment.
Pre-Opening Training
Attend required training program. Install and connect POS system. Complete final permitting and inventory ordering.
Grand Opening
Launch restaurant with franchisor-supported marketing program. Begin operations and transition to ongoing royalty and advertising fee structure.
Ongoing Operations
Manage restaurant performance with field support, supply chain compliance, and participation in national and local advertising.
Match assessment
Are you a Jersey Mike's Subs match?
12 questions. Math-first. No high-pressure sales call afterwards. Just your match assessment and the reasoning behind it.
Start nowCommon questions
How much does a Jersey Mike's franchise cost?
The initial franchise fee is $18,500. Total estimated initial investment for a typical inline location ranges from $203,583 to $1,317,005 according to the investment disclosure of the the filed disclosures.
What is the royalty fee for Jersey Mike's?
The royalty is 6.5 percent of gross receipts. Advertising contributions currently total 5.0 percent of gross receipts.
Does Jersey Mike's provide financial performance representations?
Yes. the financial-performance disclosure discloses average, median, high, and low gross receipts for more than 2,100 qualifying locations over 2021-2023. 46 percent of reporting units met or exceeded the average.
How many Jersey Mike's locations are there?
As of year-end 2023 there were 2,647 franchised units and 28 company-owned restaurants for a total of 2,675 locations in the United States.
What is the difference between Jersey Mike's and its competitors?
Jersey Mike's emphasizes proprietary bread, in-store slicing of meats and cheeses, and a distinct East Coast sub shop culture. The brand maintains higher average unit volumes than many sandwich competitors according to disclosed the financial-performance disclosure data.
Can I own multiple Jersey Mike's restaurants?
Yes. Area development agreements are available and many operators expand after demonstrating success with their first unit. The system added nearly 300 net units per year in recent years.
How long does it take to open a Jersey Mike's franchise?
Typical timeline from franchise agreement to opening is 6 to 12 months depending on site availability, permitting, and construction schedules.
Does Jersey Mike's offer territory exclusivity?
No. Franchisees receive a non-exclusive designated area of approximately 0.5 to 1 mile radius. The franchisor reserves rights to non-traditional venues and alternative channels inside that area.
What training and support does Jersey Mike's provide?
The company offers initial training for franchisees and managers plus ongoing field support, continuing education, and marketing programs. Exact training hours and curriculum details are not specified in Item 11.
Are there Jersey Mike's franchisee reviews or success stories?
Prospective franchisees should contact current operators directly as required by the the filed disclosures. The brand's 67-year history and consistent unit growth provide context for operator outcomes.
Does Jersey Mike's require franchisees to buy from specific suppliers?
Yes. Approximately 85 percent of purchases must come from approved or required suppliers including proprietary products distributed primarily through Sysco. The franchisor retains all supplier rebates.
What is the projected growth for Jersey Mike's?
The company projects approximately 300 new outlets in the year following the 2023 the filed disclosures. Net unit growth has averaged roughly 280 franchised locations per year from 2021 through 2023.
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