Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of over 3,200 fast-casual sandwich shops, has signed a franchise agreement with JM Submarines UK LTD, led by Jersey Mike’s founder and chairman of the board, Peter Cancro, to open 400 stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cancro founded Jersey Mike’s more than 50 years ago and remains a significant shareholder following the company’s sale to Blackstone last year. This agreement marks the first European expansion for the company, with plans to open the first location in 2026.
“This marks a pivotal milestone in Jersey Mike’s growth journey as we expand into the European market,” says Charlie Morrison, chief executive officer at Jersey Mike’s. “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.”
Cancro founded Jersey Mike’s Subs in 1975, when at 17 years old he purchased the first Mike’s Subs shop in Point Pleasant, N.J. As Jersey Mike’s CEO for nearly 50 years, he grew the company into one of the most beloved fast-casual brands in the U.S., before transitioning to chairman in April 2025.
“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,” says Andy Skehan, president of international at Jersey Mike’s. “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.”
SOURCE: Jersey Mike’s Subs