Jersey Mike’s founder Peter Cancro to lead first European presence with commitment to open 400 stores
Manasquan, NJ (RestaurantNews.com) Jersey Mike’s Subs (“Jersey Mike’s” or the “Company”), a leading franchisor of over 3,200 fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, today announced it 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,” said 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, New Jersey. 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. The strategic partnership with Cancro underscores the brand’s commitment to thoughtful, quality-driven growth as it shares Jersey Mike’s authentic “A Sub Above” experience with a global audience.
“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,” said Cancro, Founder and Chairman of the Board at Jersey Mike’s and CEO of JM Submarines UK LTD. “To now have the opportunity to bring Jersey Mike’s to the UK and Ireland as a franchisee is incredibly exciting. I see trem