US sandwich chain opens first UK restaurant with plans for 400 sites

Last updated: 2026/11/10 at 12:53 PM

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An American sandwich chain has opened its first restaurant in the UK, with plans to bring hundreds of new outlets to Britain and Ireland.

Jersey Mike’s Subs made its European debut on Monday (9 November), opening a new branch in London’s West End.

The restaurant is located on Argyll Street, just moments from Oxford Circus and Oxford Street.

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The opening marks the beginning of an ambitious expansion plan, with founder Peter Cancro leading a master franchise agreement to develop 300 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

The company expects to open four locations in London before the end of the year, with a second branch scheduled to open on Baker Street in mid-November.

Hand holding a sub sandwich packed with ham, lettuce, tomato and bacon in front of a black and white photo — Jersey Mike’s. (Jam Press/Jersey Mike’s)

Jersey Mike’s was founded in 1956 as a single sandwich shop in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and has since grown to more than 3,400 locations across the US and Canada.

Cancro bought the original Mike’s Subs shop in 1975, aged just 17, before building it into one of America’s biggest fast-casual restaurant chains.

The brand is known for its freshly sliced meats and cheeses, with sandwiches prepared to order and bread baked throughout the day.

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Sub sandwich cut in half with Lay's baked crisps, a blue Jersey Mike's cup and tortilla chips on branded paper — Jersey Mike’s. (Jam Press/Jersey Mike’s)

Its UK menu will largely mirror its American offering, although there will be a few additions, including a chicken tenders sub and a hot ham and cheese sandwich, as reported by What’s The Jam.

The chain’s signature ‘Mike’s Way’ preparation includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil blend, red wine vinegar and spices.

Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO of JM Submarines UK Ltd, Peter Cancro, said: “Having spent my career building this brand, it’s incredibly rewarding to see Jersey Mike’s open its first restaurant in the UK.

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Sub sandwich with tomato and lettuce behind a black Heavyweight Championship belt and a bag of crisps — Jersey Mike’s. (Jam Press/Jersey Mike’s)

“London is the perfect place to begin Jersey Mike’s next chapter, and we look forward to becoming a meaningful part of the communities we serve.”

The expansion is part of the company’s wider international growth strategy, with the business identifying the potential for around 15,000 restaurants worldwide.