What is the name of the program that allows qualified managers at existing Jersey Mikes franchises to own their own franchise?
Jersey_Mikes Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
In its sole di scretion, Company may grant certain qualified managers at existing Jersey Mike's franchises, who wish to own their own Jersey Mike's franchise, the right to participate in the Coach Rod Smith Program. Participants in the Coach Rod Smith Program will receive financing from JMFS for the development of their restaurant. If a recipient chooses to participate in the Coach Rod Smith Program, Company may allow you to finance the initial franchise fee or the real estate and construction fee, or both, as part of the financing received from JMFS.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 14–15)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Jersey Mike's may offer qualified managers at existing franchises the opportunity to own their own franchise through the "Coach Rod Smith Program." This program provides financing from JMFS (presumably Jersey Mike's Franchise System) to facilitate the development of the restaurant.
If a manager is selected for the Coach Rod Smith Program, Jersey Mike's may allow them to finance the initial franchise fee, the real estate, and construction fee through JMFS. This suggests that the program aims to lower the upfront costs typically associated with opening a new franchise, making ownership more accessible to qualified managers who may not have sufficient capital.
For a prospective franchisee, this program presents a significant opportunity to transition from a management role to ownership. It is important to note that participation in the Coach Rod Smith Program is at Jersey Mike's sole discretion, implying that not all qualified managers will be selected. A prospective franchisee should inquire about the specific criteria and application process for the Coach Rod Smith Program to understand their eligibility and chances of being selected.