The basics:
- Jersey Mike’s to open 400 locations in UK, Ireland, starting in 2026
- Former CEO Peter Cancro leads expansion through JM Submarines UK LTD
- First European market for the brand, follows Canadian growth plans
- Andrew Skehan, Jersey Mike’s president of international, to oversee global expansion strategy
Jersey Mike’s Subs is heading across the pond.
The Manasquan-based chain will open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland, according to a Jan. 12 press release. The move comes as part of a franchise agreement with a group led by former Jersey Mike’s CEO and current board chairman Peter Cancro.
Cancro stepped down last year after five decades with the brand in the wake of its reported $8 billion sale to private equity firm Blackstone. In addition to serving as chairman, Cancro is a significant minority shareholder in the company he helped build into one of the fastest-growing quick service restaurants in North America.
Founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s started out as a small sandwich shop in Point Pleasant. It now boasts more than 3,200 locations in the U.S.
According to Jersey Mike’s, Cancro’s JM Submarines UK LTD will begin openings the first European locations this year.
In a statement, Cancro said, “I’ve lived and breathed this brand my entire life, starting when I worked at the original Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant as a teenager. To now have the opportunity to bring Jersey Mike’s to the UK and Ireland as a franchisee is incredibly exciting.”
He added, “I see tremendous potential in these markets, and I’m eager to personally operate the brand I love in regions that value quality and community as much as we do.”
Expanding reach
Jersey Mike’s CEO Charlie Morrison describe it as a “pivotal milestone” in the brand’s growth journey.
“We could not ask for a better partner than Peter to lead this market expansion. Peter built this brand from the ground up, from our first location on the Jersey Shore to over 3,000 locations across North America during his time as CEO. We are thrilled to have Peter lead our first European expansion in what is a very exciting new chapter for the company,” Morrison said.
The announcement comes about a year after Jersey Mike’s unveiled plans to boost its presence in Canada. The banner expects to open 300 outposts across the Great White North by 2034 through a strategic partnership with Canadian operator Redberry Restaurants.
The European expansion also follows Jersey Mike’s appointment of its first-ever president of international. Andrew Skehan leads multinational growth strategy, development operations and marketing initiatives as Jersey Mike’s scales its presence across key markets like Canada and the U.K. The restaurant industry veteran brings leadership experience at chains like Krispy Kreme, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and Wendy’s/Arby’s Group.
Skehan shared, “I’m thrilled to partner with Peter and his team as we bring Jersey Mike’s to the UK and Ireland, two markets with incredible potential that represent just the beginning of our global growth journey.”
“I’m confident that communities worldwide will embrace what has made Jersey Mike’s a beloved brand across North America, and we are now ready to build upon our strong operations foundation and brand recognition to take our next step toward global expansion,” he said.
