One can hardly think about building a culture in franchising without mentioning Jersey Mike's Subs. So, it's very fitting to start the Multi-unit Franchising Series on Franchise Today with a member of the Jersey Mike's corporate team as our guest in the first of two segments in the series.

Michael Manzo, Chief Operating Officer of Jersey Mike's joins host, Paul Segreto as they explore best practices in multi-unit franchising and how brand culture plays an important role in developing a successful multi-unit program.

About Our Guest

A Jersey Mike’s Subs veteran, Michael Manzo came up through the system “wearing the apron.”  Working side by side with Founder & CEO Peter Cancro, Michael’s fingerprints are on nearly every aspect of the company from operations to training and from purchasing to franchise development.

Michael has the distinction of working at the original Mike’s Subs restaurant in Point Pleasant during high school (1979-81). After serving 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Michael managed the original store in 1985. In 1987, the name was changed to Jersey Mike’s and the company began franchising. In 1992, after building out more than 30 restaurants, Michael left the company.  In 1996, he rejoined Jersey Mike’s when there were still less than 35 restaurants.

Ever since, Michael has been a champion for bringing customers the highest quality, freshest made sub in the industry. Today, Jersey Mike’s is a growing brand with 750 restaurants open and under development nationwide, winning best sub awards in virtually every market it serves.

Franchise Today is a production of Franchise Foundry.