Jersey Mike's Subs recognized outstanding franchisees and team members at its National Conference, June 15-17, in Orlando, Florida. Also receiving special awards were four Inspiring Partners who have joined with the sub sandwich franchise to make a difference in communities throughout the U.S.

“Jersey Mike’s turned 55 this year, and hundreds of talented, enthusiastic Jersey Mike’s franchisees and team members gathered in Floridato celebrate and look to the future,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO. “One of the high points of our National Conference was recognizing some of our many extraordinary people.”

At the conference, Cancro awarded Franchisee of the Year to Stephen and Laura Youlios, who operate stores in Saugusand Stevenson Ranch, California. The President’s Award went to Dalton Stewart, a 10-year, Dallas-based Jersey Mike’s franchise owner and area director. Daltonchampioned a successful partnership with Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer that inspired a national fundraising initiative called Month of Giving, raising more than $600,000 for 66 charities throughout the country.

Multi-unit Franchise Owner of the Year awards went to Bill and Leslie Mapes and Danny Malamis for their commitment to excellence in everything from product quality to customer service. Bill Mapes is Jersey Mike’s area director for Arizona and operates stores in Scottsdale, Tempe, Phoenix, and Chandler. Malamis has opened four locations in the Washington, D.C., area since 2010 in Laurel, Germantown, Frederick, and Gaithersburg, and is area director for the area.

Cancro also awarded Rookie of the Year to Kimberly and Angelo Crowell of Tallahassee, Florida, and the Kenny Brothers (Kevin, Patrick, and David) in Solana Beach, California. The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award went to 18-year-old Dustin Malamis.

To recognize the great work of some of Jersey Mike’s partner charities, Inspiring Partner Awards went to:

Wreaths Across America, accepted by Karen and Morrill Worcester from the organization, along with Gold Star Moms Molly Morel and Ruth Stonesifer. Wreaths Across America is an organization dedicated to remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children the value of freedom.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure, accepted by Katrina McGhee, CMO. In May, Jersey Mike’s Subs went pink with a six-month fundraiser, Mike’s Way to a Cure, benefiting the organization. The multi-faceted initiative runs through October 2011.

Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer, accepted by Founder Cindy Simmons-Brinker and CEO Evelyn Costolo. Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer is a Dallas-based non-profit organization with the vision of a day in which all children are living cancer-free.

Holiday Express, accepted by Founder Tim McLoone and band member volunteer Joe Petillo. The Holiday Express mission is to deliver music, food, gifts, financial support, and friendship to those with the greatest need for the gift of human kindness during the holiday season and throughout the year.

Awards were also given to recognize seven franchisees for their extraordinary achievement raising funds during the Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving initiative. Accepting the awards were Rich Domanski, Raleigh, North Carolina; Joe Manna, Hamilton, New Jersey; Kevin Manna, Hamilton, New Jersey; Dalton Stewart, Dallas; Sean Dailey, Dallas; Amish Patel, Chicago; and Chris Daniels, Charlotte, North Carolina.  

Jersey Mike’s also recognized nine managers of the year and more than 30 regional excellence winners.