Jersey Mike’s Subs announced the addition of two new members to its franchise sales team, Stephen Sweetman as senior director of franchise sales and Corby Cronin as director of franchise sales. The tandem will help further Jersey Mike’s expansion efforts throughout the U.S. The company plans to develop more than 225 in 2018, primarily with existing owners. The early year success follows a strong 2017 for the brand as Jersey Mike’s opened more than 170 new locations and achieved a 6 percent system-wide same-store sales increase. To build on this momentum, the brand will be exhibiting at booth No. 401 at the Multi-Unit Franchising Conference April 3–6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where Cronin and Sweetman will join vice president of franchise sales Brian O’Hagan, as they meet with prospective multiunit franchisees interested in joining the company.
“The addition of Stephen and Corby to the Jersey Mike’s team further signifies our focus on recruiting best in class multi-unit operators. Their extensive experience in this area will prove invaluable as we drive our aggressive franchise development efforts into our primary and secondary markets,” says Jersey Mike’s Brian Sommers, senior vice president of franchise and market development. “The compounding success Jersey Mike’s has achieved is a direct reflection of our brand and operators, and we’re proud to welcome two accomplished industry veterans who share our same values and vision.”
As Jersey Mike’s new senior director of franchise sales, Stephen Sweetman will be responsible for identifying and introducing qualified candidates to Jersey Mike’s. Prior to this role, his extensive franchising experience includes casual-dining and fast-casual restaurants. At Wingstop, he managed 16 states in the Southeast, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic, and was responsible for the creation and rollout of a franchise sales marketing plan that helped generate significant openings. Sweetman also previously spent eight years with FOCUS Brands as its director of franchise sales and real estate, managing activities for four brands in a 14-state territory in the Southeast, including Moe’s Southwest Grill. He was recognized repeatedly for his success there, including receipt of their Impact Player of the Year award.
Cronin joins Jersey Mike’s after spending the past four years with Schlotzsky’s, where he was a President’s Club winner while director of franchise development. During his time with Schlotzsky’s, Cronin distinguished himself for identifying quality operators, both experienced multiunit franchisees and in particular, small operators who grew into successful multiunit store owners. He also worked for Dickey’s Barbecue for seven years, where he held a variety of positions including vice president of operations and director of franchise development. A graduate of Johnson & Wales, his chef experience underscores his passion for quality food and consistent operations, which is essential to Jersey Mike’s as it adds franchisees to its base of respected existing franchisees. Cronin will identify operators that fit the Jersey Mike’s lifestyle, which includes a passion for supporting the brand, people, and community.
