US-based sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s is preparing to enter the British market with plans to open its first outlet in London this November, marking the beginning of an ambitious expansion across the UK and Ireland. The company intends to establish roughly 400 locations in the region, targeting a segment between budget fast food and premium independent delis.

Founded in 1956 and rebranded as Jersey Mike’s by billionaire Peter Cancro—who acquired the business at age 17—the chain operates more than 3,300 stores across North America and is the second-largest sub-style sandwich brand on the continent. The company recently went public on the New York Stock Exchange and is valued at approximately $6 billion, with private equity group Blackstone retaining majority ownership and voting control.

Cancro, who remains on Jersey Mike’s board after stepping down as CEO last year, expressed strong confidence in the UK market, highlighting the country's dense population and consumer appetite for sandwiches. He suggested that the cooler, wetter British climate could favor Jersey Mike’s offerings, known for their hot, sliced and grilled meat subs served on elongated bread rolls—a menu that has remained largely consistent since the 1970s.

Despite concerns regarding rising labor costs and employment taxes in the UK, Cancro downplayed their impact, noting the company’s experience managing costs in US states with relatively high wage standards, such as California. He pointed to the brand’s robust growth in the US, where revenues reached $724 million last year, driven in part by increased consumer demand for protein-rich foods and smaller portion options.

In the UK, Jersey Mike’s will primarily compete with Subway, which currently has over 2,000 stores across the country and represents the major specialist sandwich chain in the market. Industry observers note that British consumers have historically favored bakeries and casual food retailers like Greggs and Pret A Manger over sandwich franchises.

Recent years have seen a mixed record for US fast-food chains expanding in the UK. While brands such as Popeyes and Wingstop have successfully grown their presence, others like Potbelly and Quiznos have struggled, with Potbelly closing its sole British location and Quiznos down to a single site from nearly 30 in the 2000s.

The UK restaurant sector has faced headwinds from rising operational costs and subdued consumer spending. Notably, restaurants were excluded from government relief measures aimed at helping pubs cope with increased business rates, and mandatory minimum wage hikes took effect in April. Although sandwich shops and bakeries have marginally outperformed the broader fast-food industry, foot traffic declined by 0.5 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the previous year.

Nonetheless, Cancro remains optimistic about Jersey Mike’s prospects in the UK, stating that success there could serve as a springboard for further expansion across Europe and the Middle East.