Jersey Mike’s Subs will officially open its first store in the state of Michigan–its 31st market– in Ann Arbor. Jersey Mike’s owner, Peter Shipman, and his operating partner Mike Wagner, know the importance of community relations and will celebrate their new ties with the area during their grand opening beginning Wednesday, May 16.
Both Shipman and Wagner have long-time roots in the community (Ann Arbor Huron High School and Ann Arbor Pioneer High School grads, respectively) and, as quick-service restaurant veterans, they plan to open another five or six Jersey Mike’s restaurants in the next few years.
“We are thrilled to be blazing a trail into Jersey Mike’s 31st state–Michigan!” Shipman says. “Mike and I were born and raised in Ann Arbor and can’t wait to share a taste of the Jersey Shore with our friends and neighbors. The Ann Arbor community appreciates a high quality product that is a good value, and we think our customers will quickly become big fans of Jersey Mike’s.”
To commemorate the event, the new restaurant, located at 3650 Carpenter Road, is hosting a five-day fundraiser from Wednesday, May 16, through Sunday, May 20, with proceeds supporting Shipman’s alma mater, Ann Arbor Huron High School, as well as Ypsilanti High School.
Anyone who has a fundraising coupon can get a free regular sub for a minimum $1 contribution. Coupons are being circulated to the high schools and throughout the community.
Jersey Mike’s, recently named one of the five franchises you want to invest in by The Street, is continuing its record-setting growth, already opening more than 30 restaurants this year.
Last year, Jersey Mike’s had record unit growth of 15 percent, opening 69 new restaurants in new and existing markets. In addition, the company awarded 76 new territories, partnering with multi-brand, multi-unit franchisees, as well as providing expansion opportunities to existing franchise owners.
The history of the company is one of entrepreneurship and giving back. CEO Peter Cancro started the company at age 17, before he was even legally able to slice a sub.
The company remains committed to making a difference in the communities it serves. In 2011, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country raised more than $2 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 200,000 free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes.
Most recently, this past March, with its generous customers, Jersey Mike’s raised nearly $858,000 for 74 children’s charities across the country as part of its 2nd Annual Month of Giving initiative.
