Does Jersey Mikes have to approve the designated manager?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The JERSEY MIKE'S Franchised Restaurant is to be at all times under the direct on-premises supervision of your Controlling Principal, or a competent employee acting as full-time manager or shift supervisor who has satisfactorily completed Company's initial training program and has been approved in writing by Company. "Controlling Principal" as used in this Disclosure Document means a Principal who is designated by, and owns at least 10% equity interest in, you (if you're an entity) and approved by Company as the individual who is responsible for operating your Restaurant and causing you to comply with the Franchise Agreement. "Principal" means your, or your affiliate's, officers and directors, partners or members, and persons holding an ownership interest in you (if you're an entity) or your affiliate, in the Franchise Agreement or the assets of your Restaurant. You will at all times faithfully, honestly and diligently perform your obligations arising under the Franchise Agreement and will not engage in any business or other activities that will conflict with these obligations. Company may condition the approval of a new designated manager or Controlling Principal upon the individual's successful completion of Phase II of Company's initial training program.
You, or your Controlling Principal (if you are operating as a business entity), or a manager whom you have designated and Company has approved, must devote full-time energy and best efforts to the management and ope ration of the Fr anchised Restaurant, unless otherwise approved in writing by Company. Your Controlling Principal must be approved by Company and must satisfactorily complete all required training Company offers.
Source: Item 15 — OBLIGATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF THE FRANCHISED RESTAURANT (FDD page 56)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the designated manager of a Jersey Mike's franchise must be approved in writing by the company. The franchise is to be under the direct, on-premises supervision of the franchisee's Controlling Principal, or a competent employee acting as a full-time manager or shift supervisor. This employee must have satisfactorily completed Jersey Mike's initial training program to gain approval.
Jersey Mike's may require the designated manager or Controlling Principal to successfully complete Phase II of the initial training program as a condition of approval. Furthermore, the franchisee, their Controlling Principal, or a company-approved manager must devote full-time energy and their best efforts to the management and operation of the franchised restaurant. Any deviation from this requirement needs written approval from Jersey Mike's.
This approval process ensures that individuals in key management positions meet Jersey Mike's standards for competence and training. It allows Jersey Mike's to maintain consistency and quality across all franchise locations. For a prospective franchisee, this means they cannot simply appoint anyone as a manager; the individual must meet Jersey Mike's criteria and complete the necessary training to receive written approval. This requirement helps protect the Jersey Mike's brand and ensures that each location is managed effectively.