Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as chief executive officer. Most recently, he was CEO as Salad and Go.
As CEO of Jersey Mike’s, Morrison will build on the company’s strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing investment in technology and digital transformation. Having served in a range of senior leadership positions across high-profile franchised brands, Morrison brings more than three decades of industry experience to lead Jersey Mike’s continued growth.
From 2012 to 2022, Morrison served as chairman and CEO of Wingstop, one of the largest fast-casual chicken wing franchise brands globally. At Wingstop, he grew the business from fewer than 500 stores to over 2,000 locations in more than 10 countries. Most recently, he served as a board member and then as CEO of Salad and Go, helping drive a nearly seven-fold increase in the company’s store count. He previously held leadership roles at several other well-known restaurant brands, including Pizza Inn, where he served as president and CEO; Pizza Hut; Steak and Ale; and Boston Market.
Morrison succeeds Peter Cancro, who is stepping down from the CEO role 50 years after acquiring the company’s first location in 1975. Cancro will remain chairman of the Jersey Mike’s board of directors and a significant minority shareholder, and Nigel Travis has been named as lead director. Morrison will also serve on the board of directors for the company.
“In Charlie, we have found the ideal next CEO for Jersey Mike’s, and I look forward to him propelling our business even further,” says Cancro. “Having led Wingstop through a monumental period of growth and a successful IPO, he knows what it takes to lead a first-of-its-kind, category-defining brand, and I am confident he will bring that same energy and vision to Jersey Mike’s. Importantly, he also shares our values and commitment to giving to the communities we serve. I am excited to work alongside Charlie and the rest of the team as we keep doing what we do best — making a sub above.”
Adds Morrison: “Jersey Mike’s is a unique brand with a rich history, loyal customer base and authentic culture which Peter and his talented team have cultivated over the past five decades. I have spent my career building and innovating at leading franchised brands, and what Peter has created at Jersey Mike’s is nothing short of extraordinary. I am honored to be entrusted with continuing this legacy and I could not be more excited to get to work with this incredible team and the owners who bring it to life every day.”
Travis, lead director of Jersey Mike’s board of directors and former chairman and CEO of Dunkin’ Brands, continues: “I want to thank Peter for his tremendous leadership — his passion has shaped every store, inspired every owner and earned the loyalty of millions of customers nationwide. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his experience as chairman of the board and are thrilled to welcome Charlie as CEO. Charlie is a titan in the franchised restaurant space, with a proven value creation playbook for driving growth at leading brands — both through restaurants and digital channels.”
In 2024, Jersey Mike’s announced it was partnering with Blackstone to accelerate the company’s global expansion and support its continued investment in technology and digital transformation.
“With a wealth of experience in scaling leading franchise brands, Charlie is the ideal leader to build on Peter’s extraordinary foundation and take Jersey Mike’s into its next era of growth,” says Joe Baratta, global head of private equity strategies at Blackstone. “We are excited to partner with Charlie and the entire Jersey Mike’s team to help propel expansion into new markets, unlock new opportunities for technology-driven transformation and further elevate the experiences of customers and franchisee owners alike.”
Founded in 1956 as Mike’s Subs with one location in Point Pleasant, N.J., Jersey Mike’s has grown into a premier franchisor with more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.jerseymikes.com.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: To read our May 2025 cover story on Jersey Mike’s, click here.]
SOURCE: Jersey Mike’s Subs