US. Jersey Mike’s Subs has entered into an area director and development agreement with Redberry Restaurants to support the former’s expansion plans in Canada.
The deal will enable the American fast-casual sub sandwich franchise to open more than 300 restaurants by 2034 via a combination of Redberry-owned-and-operated stores and supported franchisee locations.
Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems Founder and CEO Peter Cancro said: “We are proud to partner with Ken Otto and his team at Redberry. Their extensive history and reputation in the restaurant business are second to none.
“Also critical to our company is that they share the same culture and mission statement: to give and make a difference. They are committed to their team members and their local communities.”
This partnership with one of Canada’s largest restaurant operators sets the stage for Jersey Mike’s international expansion.
To drive the brand’s rapid growth, Redberry will purchase Jersey Mike’s locations in the cities of Kitchener and London and will open five stores in Ontario this year.
The Kitchener and London stores will undergo a complete revamp in early 2024 to reflect Jersey Mike’s new image.
Redberry owns and operates more than 180 restaurant locations across Canada under the Burger King and Taco Bell brands. With Jersey Mike’s as its partner, it has signed agreements for over 600 additional restaurants.
Redberry CEO Ken Otto said: “We’re thrilled that Jersey Mike’s entrusted us with bringing their iconic brand to Canada. We resonated strongly with their culture, product, and mission, and are excited to ‘make it happen’ for both Jersey Mike’s and their Canadian fans.”
He added: “In addition to building our own Jersey Mike’s, growth will be accelerated by way of supporting other franchisees to join the Jersey Mike’s story in every province across Canada.”
Jersey Mike’s was established in 1856 at the Jersey Shore in the state of New Jersey. It is popular for its sliced-to-order meats and cheeses piled high on in-store baked bread. Other signature offers include subs made with fresh vegetables topped off with a zing of ‘the juice’, red wine vinegar and an olive oil blend. Its freshly grilled cheesesteaks are also among the famous items on the menu.
‘Not just a meal, but a movement’
Aside from its food offers, Jersey Mike’s has been actively involved in charitable initiatives, inspired by its ‘giving, making a difference in someone’s life’ mantra.
The company has raised more than US$110 million for local charities across the country since 2010.
In 2023 alone, it raised a record-breaking US$21 million for more than 200 local charities during its annual Month of Giving.
Jersey Mike’s charitable efforts align with Redberry’s mission to support and uplift local communities.
The Canadian company has supported its current brand partner in its philanthropic projects and has raised more than US$1 million to support these causes.
Redberry also sponsors a wide variety of local community initiatives throughout the year and is an active participant in the YMCA and University Co-Op programmes to offer jobs and career training. 
