Jersey Mike’s Subs, a franchisor of more than 3,200 fast-casual sandwich outlets, plans to open up to 400 locations in the UK and Ireland.

The company has entered a franchise arrangement with JM Submarines UK, headed by Jersey Mike's founder and board chairman Peter Cancro, for the expansion.

Cancro said: “I see tremendous potential in these markets, and I'm eager to personally operate the brand I love in regions that value quality and community as much as we do.”

The agreement is the company’s first move into Europe. The first outlet under the expansion is expected to open this year.

Jersey Mike's CEO Charlie Morrison said: “This marks a pivotal milestone in Jersey Mike's growth journey as we expand into the European market.

“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."

Cancro established the business in 1975 after buying the original Mike’s Subs site in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. He ran Jersey Mike’s as chief executive for nearly five decades and assumed the role of chair in April 2025.

He continues to hold a “significant” shareholding after the business was sold to Blackstone in November 2024.

Blackstone acquired Jersey Mike’s Subs for $8bn, including debt, and agreed to support its expansion within the US and internationally.

Jersey Mike’s appointed Morrison as CEO last year.