Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/fresh grilled East Coast-style subs, officially opened its first store in the state of Michigan – its 31stmarket — here in Ann Arbor. Jersey Mike’s owner, Peter Shipman, and his operating partner Mike Wagner, know the importance of community relations and celebrated their new ties with the area during their grand opening beginning Wednesday, May 16th.
Both Shipman and Wagner have long-time roots in the community (Ann Arbor Huron High School and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School grads respectively) and, as quick service restaurant veterans, they plan to open another five or six Jersey Mike’s restaurants in the next few years.
“We are thrilled to be blazing a trail into Jersey Mike’s 31st state – Michigan!” said Shipman. “Mike and I were born and raised in Ann Arbor and can’t wait to share a taste of the Jersey Shore with our friends and neighbors. The Ann Arbor community appreciates a high quality product that is a good value, and we think our customers will quickly become big fans of Jersey Mike’s.”
To commemorate the event, the new restaurant, located at 3650 Carpenter Road, hosted a 5-day fundraiser from Wednesday, May 16th through Sunday, May 20th, with proceeds supporting Shipman’s alma mater Ann Arbor Huron High School as well as Ypsilanti High School. Anyone who had a fundraising coupon could get a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution. Coupons were circulated to the high schools and throughout the community.
Jersey Mike’s, recently named one of the five franchises you want to invest in by The Street, is continuing its record-setting growth, already opening more than 30 restaurants this year.
Last year, Jersey Mike’s had record unit growth of 15%, opening 69 new restaurants in new and existing markets. In addition, the company awarded 76 new territories, partnering with multi-brand, multi-unit franchisees as well as providing expansion opportunities to existing franchise owners.
The history of the company is one of entrepreneurship and giving back. CEO Peter Cancro started the company at age 17, before he was even legally able to slice a sub. The company remains committed to making a difference in the communities it serves.
In 2011, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country raised more than $2 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 200,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. Most recently, this past March, with its generous customers, Jersey Mike’s raised nearly $858,000 for 74 children’s charities across the country as part of its 2nd Annual Month of Giving initiative.
Jersey Mike’s is known for its authentic East Coast-style subs, made “Mike’s Way” with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and a signature blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar and spices. The company only uses private labeled meats and cheeses that are sliced fresh for each sandwich and piled high on in-store baked bread. Everything is quickly made to order for each customer. Another trademark of the Jersey Mike’s experience is the neighborly banter served up by a high-energy team. Jersey Mike’s wins best sub awards in virtually every market it enters.
Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this store directly at (734) 477-9930.
Jersey Mike’s, a sub sandwich franchise with more than 600 stores open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support. Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s serves authentic East Coast-style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 56 years ago. The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates. A store locator and franchise information for Jersey Mike’s can be found at www.jerseymikes.com.
