Jersey Mike’s Subs has officially reached the summit of the franchising world, ranking No. 1 on Entrepreneur’s 47th Annual Franchise 500®. This prestigious recognition marks the first time the Manasquan-based sandwich giant has taken the top spot, solidifying its position as the premier franchisor in the fast-casual sector.
The ranking is based on a rigorous evaluation of more than 150 data points, including unit growth, financial stability, brand power, and the level of support provided to franchise owners.
The leap to the No.1 position follows a year of explosive growth and strategic evolution for the brand. After maintaining a No. 2 spot in 2025, Jersey Mike’s surpassed industry heavyweights by demonstrating unmatched consistency in operational excellence and franchisee success.
“Being named the No. 1 franchise by Entrepreneur is an incredible honor that reflects the strength of our brand and the unwavering dedication of our franchise owners,” Charlie Morrison, CEO of Jersey Mike’s said. “Our proven system and passionate commitment to quality and community create the ideal formula for success.”
Jersey Mike’s success in the 2026 rankings was driven by several core “pillars” defined by Entrepreneur:
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Size & Growth: The company now boasts more than 3,200 locations across North America.
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International Expansion: The brand recently announced a massive 400-location development deal for the U.K. and Ireland, led by founder Peter Cancro.
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Financial Strength: Bolstered by a major sale to Blackstone in 2025, the company maintains high “per-location” sales targets of $3 million.
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Brand Power: Recognized as the No. 1 Best Sandwich Chain in America (2025) and a leader in social impact.
Beyond financial metrics, Jersey Mike’s remains deeply rooted in its “giving back” culture. In March 2025 alone, the company raised a record-breaking $30 million for local charities during its 15th Annual Month of Giving, bringing its total lifetime donations to over $143 million.
As the brand approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, it shows no signs of slowing down.
