Jersey Mike's - New Jersey based sandwich chain.

Growing up in a small town often means everyone knows your name, and that’s especially true for Peter Cancro, the man behind Jersey Mike’s. In a place where the summers are bustling and the local sub shop is a cornerstone of the community, Cancro’s story began. But it was a stroke of small-town luck that set him on the path to building a nationwide sandwich empire now celebrated in Forbes magazine.

Back in the day, when Cancro was just a senior in high school, Jersey Mike’s was simply known as Mike’s Subs—a local spot where beachgoers and residents alike could grab a delicious sandwich. When the business went up for sale, Cancro’s mother had a wild idea.

“Why don’t you buy it?” she suggested. What started as a laugh soon turned into a reality when Cancro took the leap, raised the capital with the help of his former youth football coach, and bought the shop for $125,000—about $750,000 in today’s dollars.

Photo: hometown hero: how jersey mike's went from small-town sub shop to nationwide brand

Cancro was just 17 years old, and instead of heading off to college, he decided to dive headfirst into the world of subs. It was a decision that paid off almost immediately.

Mike’s Subs quickly became one of the top-grossing sub shops in the nation, raking in impressive sales week after week. In 1987,

Cancro decided it was time for the next big step: franchising. Thus, Mike’s Subs became Jersey Mike’s, a name that proudly reflected its roots.

Fast forward a few decades, and Jersey Mike’s has grown into a national powerhouse with over 3,300 locations across the United States, and expansion plans that include Canada. The company’s sales have skyrocketed, with revenue jumping from $1.3 billion in 2019 to $3.3 billion in 2023. Despite this explosive growth, Jersey Mike’s hasn’t lost its small-town charm or commitment to quality and community.

Cancro’s leadership style is a big part of the company’s success. Known for being a straight shooter, he’s not just the guy at the top—he’s someone who’s worked side by side with franchisees, even driving around in a battered station wagon in the early days. During the pandemic, Jersey Mike’s did something unheard of in the franchise world: they paid to have all their restaurants remodeled to help owners during tough times.

Today, Jersey Mike’s is more than just a place to get a great sub—it’s a brand synonymous with giving back. Every March, the company holds a “Day of Giving,” where all proceeds from sales go to charity, raising over $25 million last year alone. It’s a tradition that Cancro started back in high school, inspired by local businesses giving back to the community, and it’s a core part of what makes Jersey Mike’s special.

With plans to open another 5,000 stores in the next five years, it’s safe to say that Cancro’s small-town sub shop has become a big-time success story. And as the franchise continues to grow, it’s clear that Jersey Mike’s will keep its roots firmly planted in the values that started it all.

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