Does Jersey Mikes charge for the initial training program?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Company does not charge a separate fee for you and your employees to attend the initial training program.
You must successfully complete training to Company's satisfaction. This will be determined in the sole discretion of Company. If Company determines that you have not successfully completed training to Company's satisfaction, it may, at its sole discretion, return your f ranchise fee and terminate your Franchise Agreement or of fer you additional training. Company may, in its sole discretion, reduce or increase your training requirements based on your experience level and the relevant circumstances.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 35–51)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Jersey Mike's does not charge a separate fee for franchisees and their employees to attend the initial training program. However, franchisees are responsible for covering all expenses incurred while attending the training program. These expenses include travel, room, and board.
Jersey Mike's initial training program is overseen by key personnel, including John Hughes, Senior Vice President, Brand Ambassador; Josh Funderburk, Director of Learning & Development; Chad Tirpack, Vice President, Operations; and Brian Loughran, Senior Vice President of Operations. The training program is presented on an as-needed basis, and successful completion of the training is mandatory to the company's satisfaction.
The training program includes multiple phases. Phases 1 and 3 consist of 180 hours of on-the-job training at a designated Jersey Mike's Restaurant. Phase 2, for first-time franchisees, takes place at the company's training center in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, and lasts a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 14 days. If a trainee does not successfully complete a phase of training, the company may extend the training period at its discretion.
In addition to the initial training, Jersey Mike's may provide refresher training programs at its headquarters or another designated location. Attendance at these refresher programs is mandatory and at the franchisee's expense. Franchisees must also ensure they employ trained individuals who have completed specific training phases, and replacements must be trained within 120 days of a trained employee's departure, potentially incurring a training fee of up to $2,500.