Jersey Mike’s is strengthening its UK leadership team ahead of its market entry, with JM Submarines UK Ltd appointing Satnam Leihal as Chief Executive Officer for the UK and Ireland. The master franchisee is preparing to open the US sandwich chain’s first UK restaurant in London this November.
Leihal will lead the development of Jersey Mike’s operations, franchise platform and restaurant estate across the UK and Ireland. He will work closely with founder and chairman Peter Cancro and the wider Jersey Mike’s leadership team as the brand establishes its presence in the region.
The appointment comes as Jersey Mike’s moves closer to its first UK opening at Argyll Street near Oxford Circus in London. The former Spaghetti House site is expected to open in November, with three additional London locations also planned as part of the initial rollout.
Leihal joins the business with experience spanning hospitality, retail and franchising. He previously served as CEO of Boparan Restaurant Group, and his career has included developing franchise platforms, scaling customer-focused businesses and building operational teams.
“It is a privilege to lead JM Submarines UK Ltd and bring Jersey Mike’s to the UK and Ireland,” Leihal said. He added that the business aims to build a platform where customers, employees and franchise partners can grow alongside the brand.
The UK launch forms part of a broader international expansion strategy. Jersey Mike’s entered into a Master Franchise and Operation Agreement in December 2025 providing for a minimum of 300 restaurants across the UK and Ireland. The company said in its latest regulatory filing that the agreement is held by an entity controlled by founder Peter Cancro.
Jersey Mike’s had 3,378 restaurants worldwide as of June 28, 2026, including 3,322 domestic franchised locations, 30 international franchised restaurants and 26 company-owned US restaurants. About 99% of its system was franchised, underscoring the franchise-led nature of its expansion model.
Founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike’s has built its brand around made-to-order hot and cold submarine sandwiches. The company has more than 3,300 locations across the US and Canada and is now using its franchise model to establish a larger international footprint.
For the UK launch, the brand has said its core menu will remain largely consistent with its US offer, with hot subs and cheesesteaks prepared on a flat grill and ingredients sliced to order. Some menu localisation is planned, including a salted beef offering for the UK market.
The appointment of Leihal places local leadership in position ahead of the November opening, as Jersey Mike’s moves from site development and market preparation into its first phase of UK restaurant operations. Further details of its UK and Ireland expansion plans are expected as the rollout progresses.
