The US sandwich chain is opening four restaurants in the capital as it begins a 400-unit franchise expansion across the UK and Ireland.
Jersey Mike’s Subs will make its UK debut on November 9, 2026, with the opening of its first restaurant on Argyll Street in London’s West End. The launch marks the American brand’s first entry into Europe and the start of an ambitious expansion programme backed by a 400-restaurant franchise agreement covering the UK and Ireland.
The Argyll Street restaurant, located at 1-4 Argyll Street near Oxford Circus, will be followed by three further London openings. The brand plans to open its Baker Street outlet in mid-November, followed by New Oxford Street later in November and Cranbourn Street in December. The four sites will establish its initial presence in the capital as it prepares for wider UK expansion.
The UK entry follows a franchise development agreement signed in January 2026 between Jersey Mike’s and JM Submarines UK Ltd, securing the rights to develop 400 restaurants across the UK and Ireland. The expansion is being led by Jersey Mike’s founder and chairman Peter Cancro, who is spearheading the brand’s European growth, with Satnam Leihal appointed CEO of JM Submarines UK Ltd to lead the UK and Ireland operations.
Commenting on the expansion, Cancro said: “Bringing Jersey Mike’s to the UK is a special moment for me. I’m excited to be working alongside Satnam to bring that same spirit to the UK and Ireland. We share a belief in doing things the right way, building strong teams and creating something that lasts. London is our starting point, and together we see a tremendous opportunity to make Jersey Mike’s a brand people here come to know and love.”
Founded in 1956 as Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike’s has grown from a neighbourhood sandwich shop into a major fast-casual restaurant franchisor, with more than 3,400 locations across the US and Canada. Cancro began working at the original shop aged 14 before purchasing the business at 17 in 1975. He subsequently built it into one of America’s largest sandwich chains.
The brand differentiates itself through freshly prepared submarine sandwiches, with meats and cheeses sliced in-store, fresh vegetables and bread baked throughout the day. Its signature ‘Mike’s Way’ preparation includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, spices, oil blend and red wine vinegar.
The UK launch comes as Jersey Mike’s marks its 70th anniversary and enters a competitive sandwich and food-to-go market dominated by established operators such as Subway, Greggs and Pret A Manger. Its four initial London restaurants will provide a launchpad for the wider 400-unit development strategy, representing one of the American sandwich chain’s most significant international growth commitments.
