Jersey Mike's Subs

Start a Jersey Mike's Franchise | Costs and Requirements

Opening a franchise can be an excellent option for owning your own business and the franchise industry is booming, with production output in 2022 totaling $826.6 billion, according to the International Franchise Association. 

If you’re ready to start your own franchise, keep reading to see if Jersey Mike’s Subs is the right place for you. 

How Jersey Mike’s Got Its Start

Originally called Mike’s Subs, the submarine sandwich shop started in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. 

Sub sandwiches were a rising trend in the 1950s. Mike's Subs seized the opportunity, becoming a successful business by capitalizing on its Jersey Shore location and summer popularity. The mom-and-pop shop grew its clientele by treating its customers with care and cultivating a local feel. 

In 1971, 17-year-old employee Pete Cancro heard talks of the owners selling Mike’s Subs and decided to obtain a loan and purchase it himself. Pancro took Mike’s Subs to the next level by opening more stores and training new employees to treat customers just like the original mom-and-pop shop always had. 

In 1987, Cancro took the business to the next level and started franchising. To keep the authenticity of the shop’s birthplace, he changed the name to Jersey Mike’s Subs. Peter Cancro remains the corporation's CEO and oversees about 2,000 franchise locations. 

Related: Jersey Mike's - Entrepreneur

Pros and Cons of Starting Your Own Jersey Mike's Franchise

Whether you’re a first-time business owner or a seasoned professional, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of becoming a franchise owner. 

Pros of Being a Franchise Owner

Jersey Mike's Subs focuses on quality. It's something that its franchisees can be proud of. They make sandwiches with ingredients that may make your mouth water: red wine vinegar and a unique olive oil blend, oven-baked daily bread, store-cooked roast beef, in-house cut meats and cheese and locally sourced produce when available.

With a limited menu, franchisees can focus on preparing fresh food daily and assembling delicious sub sandwiches. Compared with similar restaurants, Jersey Mike’s typically requires less equipment. And with smaller staff and location sizes, the franchise can be reasonably straightforward to manage.

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

Check out these top five benefits of becoming a franchise owner:

1. A built-in roadmap with support.
2. Brand name recognition.
3. High success rate.
4. Purchasing benefits.
5. Profit production.

Cons of Being a Franchise Owner

On the flip side, Jersey Mike's Subs requires more training than other franchises. While this is not necessarily bad, it does mean a bit more work and structure. 

Its robust training system is intended to keep franchisees on their A-game and ensure that the integrity of Jersey Mike’s mission stays intact. They don't just teach you how to prepare the food but also how to run the business.

Some cons of being a franchise owner include the following:

1. Limits and restrictions on structure.
2. Limits and restrictions on creativity.
3. Initial costs.
4. Continuous costs.
5. Lack of financial privacy.

What Might Make a Jersey Mike's Subs a Good Choice?

The sandwich industry is often considered a fun and family-oriented business. Additionally, sandwiches can be healthier and fresher than alternatives in the fast-food world. 

When you open a Jersey Mike's Subs, you take your slice of the pie in alternative food choices. The franchisor also strongly believes in putting its customers first and creating a bond in the community. 

Opening a Jersey Mike’s may be more than just an excellent business move; it could also provide a valuable service to your community.

Related: 4 Tips for Creating a Strong Franchise Infrastructure #FranchiseBible

Jersey Mike’s Subs’ business model boasts:

• A healthy, balanced lifestyle.
• Support for franchise owners and causes important to you.
• Flexibility to have a family life outside of work.

Moreover, Jersey Mike's Subs has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 many times in the past decade. 

This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.

Jersey Mike's Subs Signature Stuff 

Taste Profile

Jersey Mike's Subs is known for its fresh, healthy, tasty subs. 

The ingredients that make their subs include:

• Onions, lettuce, tomatoes.
• Olive oil blend, red wine vinegar, and spices.
• Fresh sliced, premium quality meat and cheese. 
• Bread baked fresh daily.
• USDA Choice Roast Beef.
• 99% fat-free, whole-muscle meat turkey.

Repeat Business

Jersey Mike's Subs prides itself on doing more than making subs. They create a loyal, caring community through their efficient customer service and commitment to giving back by supporting local causes. This can translate to regular customers and repeat business.

Related: What You Really Need to Look for When Considering a Franchise

How To Start a Jersey Mike's Subs Franchise

Are you ready to open up your own Jersey Mike's Subs franchise? Jersey Mike’s Subs began franchising their business to give more opportunities for people to become business owners and continue spreading their mission in more locations. 

Take a look at the step-by-step process below. 

1. Online Application

This part of the process is quick and easy. All you’ll need to do is fill out some preliminary information like your name, phone number, and previous experience.

2. Initial Phone Screening

This time, you’ll meet with an actual representative who will ask you more basic questions and get to know you one-on-one.

3. Meet the Criteria

Jersey Mike’s Subs will determine whether or not you meet the criteria to become a franchisee. To be a part of the Jersey Mike's Subs team, you should ensure you are financially ready for the initial investment, typically comprising a franchise fee and other startup costs. You should also prepare for ongoing fees, including royalty and advertising fees. 

Jersey Mike’s site provides more financial information on their site than other companies — here are the highest franchise costs to consider:

• Initial franchise fee: $18,500.
• Real estate and construction fee: $5,000.
• Grand opening advertising: $12,500.
• Business license and permits: $15,000.

There are many other costs you will need to consider. Jersey Mike's Subs estimates the initial total investment to be anywhere from $144,668 to $786,233.

Related: Want to Make Smart Investments? Use These Expert Tips.

4. Identify Area of Interest

One of the decisions you’ll need to make before you open your franchise is where to open your new business. 

Explore this opportunity thoroughly and consider the following:

• Is there room in your community for a Jersey Mike's Subs?
• What will the competition be like?
• Is there a convenient place to build?
• Does the area get adequate vehicle or foot traffic?

5. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document

A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is the contract between you and the franchisor. This will be a thorough and binding contract with all essential information. 

Key details of the FDD include:

• Description of the company and its history.
• Any previous or current litigations.
• Bankruptcy history.
• All investment costs and fees.
• Details and products and services.
• Patents, copyrights, and proprietary information.
• Financial statements and receipts.

6. Initial Interview

During the interview process, you'll be able to ask any questions you have. If you pass the interview, you now have to prove to Jersey Mike's Subs that you're serious — which will lead you into your period of due diligence. 

7. Due Diligence

Depending on how you handle it, this process could take multiple months. This is your study period to learn Jersey Mike's Subs backward and forwards. 

You should conduct research like:

• Network and learn from other franchisees.
• Compare Jersey Mike's Subs FDD to other franchises.
• Speak with financial advisors.

8. Complete In-Store Experience

Franchisees will spend one-week training at an on-site Jersey Mike's Subs location. During the training program, you will learn business operations and critical workings of Jersey Mike's Subs, like Mike’s Way, customer relationships, and Jersey Mike's Subs culture.

9. Meet With an Executive Team Member

This will allow you to learn the ropes from someone who knows the franchise inside and out. It is an excellent chance to learn from a higher-up, ask questions, and form relationships. 

10. Execute Franchise Agreements

Now it’s time to sign the dotted line. You’ve researched, gathered your capital, and gotten a good feel for the company. If you like what you see and are ready to take the plunge, make it official with your franchise agreement. 

Related: Ready to Commit? - Franchise License Agreement 

11. Secure Real Estate

Give yourself a few months to secure your area. Make sure it meets all the needs of both you and your community.

12. Begin Training and Construction

After construction begins, many franchisees undergo additional training. When that's all said and done, you can get ready for your Jersey Mike's Subs franchise grand opening.

The Takeaway

Becoming a franchise owner is an excellent business opportunity. With many possible avenues, Jersey Mike's Subs should undoubtedly be on your radar. If you love their commitment to customer service and community, it’s time to start considering owning your location. 

Looking for more information on franchise opportunities and more? Explore Entrepreneur’s Franchise Center here.