Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, the San Francisco-based sandwich chain, solidified a multi-unit franchise deal with NFL star John Miller, guard for the Cincinnati Bengals, and his father Johnnie Green to bring the concept to the East Coast for the first time. The father-son duo is expected to open 10 storefronts throughout Broward County and Miami-Dade County, Florida, over the next seven years. The first location will open doors in Miami by next spring.
A former three-year starter for the Buffalo Bills, Miller recently signed an agreement to play for the Cincinnati Bengals through 2021. While his football career shows no signs of slowing, Miller is a Florida native and family man at heart who knows an outstanding sandwich when he tastes one. After trying Ike’s Love & Sandwiches for the first time, Miller knew he wanted to spread the love by partnering with his father to invest in the Ike’s brand over all other options.
In addition to the brand’s unique, mouthwatering menu items, the concept’s profitability outlook and successful franchise business model are among the factors that inspired Miller and Green to become franchisees. Supported by their strong father-son connection and commitment to bringing positivity to the community, Miller and Green will deliver the Ike’s experience to its East Coast customers and position the concept as the dominant sandwich brand in Florida with the help of leading franchise development company Fransmart.
“My father and I immediately fell in love with Ike’s Love & Sandwiches when we visited its San Francisco location, and saw a golden opportunity to bring it to our home state of Florida,” says John Miller. “Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is different than any other restaurant concept in Florida right now. We’re excited to bring it to the East Coast as we know demanding customers are craving the sandwich selections and will jump all over it once we open the doors.”
The concept is a sandwich lover’s paradise, offering over 700 deliciously addicting sandwiches – including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options – all spread with “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce,” that’s also baked right into the bread. Beyond the extensive and flavorful menu offerings, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches follows a proven business model with low build-out costs, efficient labor practices and waste-reducing operational standards – positioning the concept for rapid franchise development potential.
“Love, appreciation and respect are at the forefront of everything we do at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches,” says Ike Shehadeh, founder of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. “The happiness and enjoyment of our customers are the drivers behind Ike’s. I’m excited to work with John and Johnnie to celebrate our Florida customers and their unique tastes as we bring the concept to the East Coast.”
Founded by Ike Shehadeh in 2007, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches currently has nearly 70 locations in operation throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Hawaii, with additional locations currently in development in Chicago as well as Utah, California and Texas.
