Industry Hero: Jersey Mike’s Gives Back
Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems' robust e-commerce platform allowed it to accommodate increased online orders and third-party and native delivery. And even more impressive: Jersey Mike’s donated more than $4.5 million to Feeding America in 2020.
How Jersey Mike’s Did It
When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, with lockdowns following, restaurants were greatly impacted, and Jersey Mike’s was no different. The company immediately worked with franchise partners to address operational challenges needed to limit person-to-person contact. Fortunately, an ongoing investment in technology allowed Jersey Mike’s to move seamlessly to accommodate increased online orders and third-party delivery. In February 2020, Jersey Mike’s introduced White Label Delivery so customers can order delivery directly through the Jersey Mike’s app.
Jersey Mike’s robust e-commerce platform allowed locations to remain open, focusing on serving high-quality subs, supporting franchisees and giving back to local communities. Despite the pandemic, Jersey Mike’s has seen double-digit same store sales increases. Top Women in Restaurant Technology Rising Star Victoria McCormick oversaw a key part of the tech stack.
Jersey Mike’s also teamed up with Feeding America, donating 20% of sales over two weekends (in April and November), to help their network of 200 food banks. Jersey Mike’s raised more than $4.5 million for Feeding America, helping to provide 45 million meals. These were some of the busiest days in Jersey Mike’s history, and technology ensured seamless ordering despite the increased volume.
Jersey Mike’s e-commerce platform brought scalability, flexibility, stability and security to support nearly 2,000 locations across the country – and also helped the brand open 210 new locations in 2020.
CIO Scott Scherer reflects on Jersey Mike’s mission and accomplishments. (60 second video.)
"It was a quick pivot. It went really well," said says CIO Scott Scherer about the ramp up of off premises dining. "It's important to our mission to be able to help people. Not only did we donate $4.5 million to Feeding America, we were able to continue our day of giving this year, and we were able to raise about $15 million for over 200 charities nationwide."
About HT's Industry Heroes
“HT’s Industry Heroes Awards acknowledge members of our restaurant technology community who truly went above and beyond in the face of closed dining rooms and lockdowns, pivoting to off-prem and digital solutions to serve customers, support employees, and feed communities in need,” said Abigail Lorden, publisher of HT.
The Industry Heroes Awards recognize both restaurants and technology suppliers for exemplary contributions to the restaurant industry in 2020. Concept Entertainment Group was one of six Industry Hero award winners at the 26th annual MURTEC (Multi-Unit Restaurant Technology Conference), which was held virtually, “online everywhere” on April 13 and 14. The winners of the 2021 Industry Heroes Awards are: CMX, Concept Entertainment Group, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Fazoli’s, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc., OneDine, Punchh and Revel Systems.
Top Women in Restaurant Technology and Industry Heroes winners were chosen by Hospitality Technology magazine and members of its Research Advisory Board. Winners will be profiled in the Summer 2021 issue of Hospitality Technology magazine and in digital profiles on hopsitalitytech.com in the coming weeks.
