What is the primary business that A Sub Above, LLC, the franchisor of Jersey Mikes, is engaged in?

According to Jersey Mike's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, A Sub Above, LLC, is primarily engaged in franchising Jersey Mike's submarine sandwich restaurants, which are described as a fast-casual restaurant concept. Specifically, A Sub Above, LLC, franchises the trademarks, trade names, service marks, logos, marketing concepts, and marketing programs associated with the Jersey Mike's brand.

For a prospective franchisee, this means that when you invest in a Jersey Mike's franchise, you are not just buying a restaurant; you are also licensing the entire brand identity and operational system that makes Jersey Mike's what it is. This includes everything from the logo on the storefront to the recipes used to prepare the sandwiches and the marketing strategies used to attract customers.

The FDD emphasizes that A Sub Above, LLC, owns and continues to develop this distinctive system. This implies that Jersey Mike's franchisees must adhere to the franchisor's standards and guidelines in operating their restaurants. While this ensures consistency across all franchise locations, it also means franchisees have limited autonomy in making independent business decisions or altering the established system.

It's also important to note that A Sub Above, LLC, was formed in connection with a securitization transaction in 2019 and is a subsidiary of Jersey Mike's Funding, LLC, which in turn is a subsidiary of JM SPV Guarantor, LLC, and ultimately Jersey Mike's Franchise Systems, LLC. This complex corporate structure may have implications for the financial management and legal obligations of the franchise system, which prospective franchisees should carefully consider.