Ed Yancey, one of Jersey Mike’s Subs early franchisees and area directors in North Carolina, has rejoined the company as vice president, franchise development, Southeast U.S. Yancey will focus on new market development in the Southeast U.S., working with senior leadership to ensure appropriate strategy and execution for entry into those markets.
“As one of Jersey Mike’s first franchisees, Ed Yancey has olive oil and red wine vinegar running through his veins,” says Brian Sommers, CFE, vice president franchise development, Jersey Mike’s. “Working closely with our Founder and CEO Peter Cancro for many years means Ed intuitively knows the Jersey Mike’s culture which is about commitment to quality products, a great customer experience and giving back to our local communities. There is no one better to help us identify and recruit the right franchisees for our brand.”
Yancey has come full circle with Jersey Mike’s Subs over the last 20 years. His beginnings in the restaurant franchise industry in 1993 as a Jersey Mike’s franchise owner eventually led him to a top franchise development job at Jersey Mike’s headquarters in Manasquan, New Jersey, before deciding to explore new opportunities; among them, introducing and building a new franchise concept, Cups Frozen Yogurt, from the ground up, and working as strategic asset manager and franchise manager for one of the top five quick service restaurant brands, Dunkin Brands/Dunkin’ Donuts.
“I’m excited to be returning to Jersey Mike's at this pivotal time in the company’s history,” Yancey says. “This job will allow me to really utilize my experience — from 'go to market' strategies to expertise in growth and development in new markets — and I can’t wait to do it on my home turf.”
An Eastern North Carolinian born and raised, Ed was one of Jersey Mike’s Subs first franchisees when he opened a location there in 1993. By 1995 he’d quickly become the company’s North Carolina area director, and he grew the brand there to more than 100 franchises over the next six years. At the time, that number represented more than half of all the Jersey Mike’s franchises operating within the system. Yancey himself owned and operated 18 Jersey Mike’s locations in North Carolina and Tennessee, making him familiar with all aspects of the industry.
Yancey lives in Cary, North Carolina, with his wife, Jill and four children. He graduated from East Carolina University with a B.S. B.A. in finance and is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) with the International Franchise Association (IFA).
Jersey Mike’s, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 750 locations open and under development nationwide, has a long history of community involvement and support. Started at the Jersey Shore in 1956, Jersey Mike’s serves authentic East Coast-style subs on fresh baked bread – the same recipe it started with over 50 years ago. The company’s mission is to bring its customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry and give back to the communities in which it operates.