Get All Access for $5/mo

Jersey Mike's Has Opened Over 1,000 New Stores in the Past 5 Years And Is Planning 300 International Outposts – Find Out Where The brand, which has been steadily growing its footprint across the U.S., plans to open 300 new locations in another country over the next several years.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • Jersey Mike’s is making its first major move outside the U.S.
  • The brand is partnering with an experienced franchise operator to expand in Canada.
  • Jersey Mike's already has two outposts in Ontario.

Jersey Mike's, the fast-growing sandwich chain that ranked #2 in the 2024 Franchise 500, has embarked on its first major international expansion, marking a significant milestone in its history. The company, which began with one location at the Jersey Shore in 1956, has been steadily growing its footprint across the U.S. and is now setting its sights on Canada, where it plans to open 300 new locations over the next several years.

"The opportunities are there," Jersey Mike's founder and CEO Peter Cancro told Entrepreneur in January while insisting the company's philosophy won't change. "We'll expand internationally, but it's got to be with the right groups, the right people."

Jersey Mike's chose Redberry Restaurants, a master franchisor that also owns Burger King and Taco Bell locations in Canada, to lead its expansion north of the border.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

The decision to enter the Canadian market comes as Jersey Mike's continues to see strong growth domestically — the brand has opened 1,000 new stores in the past five years. The Canadian expansion represents the next logical step for Jersey Mike's, which has become a dominant player in the U.S. fast-casual dining space.

In addition to the international expansion, Cancro told Entrepreneur the company plans to open 1,000 additional stores in the U.S. over the next three years, with an eventual goal of 10,000 overall locations. However, the CEO was adamant about keeping the company's expansion at 13% to 15% unit growth per year.

Related: How Entrepreneur Ranked This Year's Franchise 500, and the Big Trends We Saw

"You don't want to open up so many stores you'll start closing them," he told Entrepreneur. To bolster this steady growth, the company built an infrastructure of area managers to work in the field with franchisees from the time they open. "There's a lot of weeks we'll open 15 stores, and [now] it's not an issue or problem."

Expanding into Canada also reflects the growing demand for Jersey Mike's unique product offering. The brand has built a loyal customer base in the U.S. by offering a higher-quality alternative to traditional fast food. Jersey Mike's emphasis on community involvement, including its annual Month of Giving, has further made it one of the most popular sub chains in the country.

Related: Don't Have Time to Start a Business? This Doctor, Lawyer and Now Part-Time Franchisee Would Disagree.

Read More: QSR Magazine

Carl Stoffers

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Business Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Companies Offer the Best Work-Life Balance, According to Employees

The ranking is based on Glassdoor ratings and reviews.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

Apple Is Adding ChatGPT to iPhones This Week. Here's How It Works.

ChatGPT will take over questions that Siri can't answer.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.