Key Innovation Projects
Quick Wins for Customers, Franchisees, and the Brand
Extend Roasted Chicken Through the Chicken Salad Platform
The chicken salad launch succeeded despite being rolled out differently than originally envisioned, with lack of alignment on the intended platform strategy. However, this premium chicken has gained popularity with the introduction of Chicken Salad. Unfortunately, stores are running out of the chicken nationwide due to a decision to discontinue the Limited Time Offer (LTO) in favor of a subpar chicken product. Chicken Salad is quickly becoming a beloved favorite among core customers, and by discontinuing it now, we risk repeating the negative reaction that occurred when pastrami was incorrectly forecasted.
NEXT STEPS: Extend Roasted Chicken Salad LTO throughout the Summer in systemwide communication and begin shipping from Cuisine into Sysco.
Announce the Return of Pastrami This Fall
Pastrami launched in October 2025 and was an immediate hit. Demand far exceeded forecasts, and most locations sold out within two weeks. Unfortunately, the rapid sellout led to negative customer sentiment where many tried it once and couldn’t get it again. The buzz turned to frustration. This time, we’re proposing a full-scale return in September with ample inventory and a campaign that keeps it in market through March.
While pastrami carries a higher food cost, it remains highly profitable due to its pricing structure and has proven to attract both new and core customers. The incremental winter sales make the platform accretive to our core lineup. We’ve already locked in the best product and lowest cost with Cuisine Solutions, the same vendor behind our roasted chicken. Innovation led the sourcing process. When others searched for alternative suppliers, they found products that were over $2/lb more expensive and lower in quality. This is a rare case where the most premium option is also the most cost-effective. In a volatile protein landscape, where beef is caught in a long-term super-cycle, this gives us a strategic hedge; offering a premium protein when competitors are scaling back. This supplier relationship is a true competitive advantage.
NEXT STEPS: Decide on a launch date and give Cuisine Solutions notice to lock in the best pricing and all teams time to complete appropriate steps.
Continue the Rollout of The Juice Packets and Replica Bottles
A blended packet of our signature olive oil blend and red wine vinegar has been developed over the previous two years - and is currently undergoing shelf-life testing and a trial run of 3,000 packets. This loz packet solves a massive issue for Jersey Mike's - for customers do not want the Juice on their subs for to-go or delivery orders. Currently, the Juice is hand poured and wrapped in plastic soufflé cups - a mess to add to a sub and a terrible look for the brand.
The newly-designed packets remove all labor and increase the visibility for Jersey Mike's. An 8 oz bottle that was custom-designed as a mini replica of our current Juice bottle in-store has also been prototyped - this would be available for retail sales alongside the Pepper Relish and be given to every catering order. These bottles are a huge increase in brand visibility and are something customers wouldn't discard. They come prefilled and eliminate the added labor that comes with filling cups for catering. While this rollout doesn't directly increase sales, it would gain massive support for franchisees in solving a decades-long problem for the brand.
NEXT STEPS: Approve final packet and bottle design once trial run test is complete.
Launch a New Cookie Flavor This Year
Since relaunching the chocolate chunk cookie and adding minis, dessert sales have surged. Two new flavors (Limoncello and Oatmeal Raisin) tested extremely well, with Limoncello generating cult-level enthusiasm. We propose an auto-shipped, tightly managed LTO cookie drop with “get it before it’s gone” messaging. Past launches have driven 15–20% incremental dessert sales. The grab-and-go format makes this one of our highest-margin upsells. It’s a quick, profitable win that builds on demand and opens the door for a second permanent cookie flavor.
NEXT STEPS: Decide or test which new flavor of cookie has the biggest draw with customers.
Keep Mike’s Hot Honey in Stock as a Full-Time Item
Mike’s Hot Honey is a key differentiator that showcases our use of premium ingredients and flavor innovation. It is the only sauce we upcharge for, making it 100% incremental from a revenue perspective. It appeals strongly to younger male customers (a growth priority for the brand) and also resonates with urban female consumers. These are two high-potential segments where we have room to grow, and this product helps get us there. It’s not just a sauce; it’s a strategic lever for customer acquisition and premiumization with value.
Begin Meatball & Pulled Pork Sub Testing
Reinvented classics have performed well for the brand with pepper relish, sub bowls, cookies, and pastrami all proving that modern spins on tradition resonate. The meatball sub is no exception. Previously removed for quality and operational reasons, we now have an all-beef, no-pork meatball platform ready for testing. The build is simple (four 1.25 oz meatballs with marinara), differentiated from competitors, and fast to make. Franchisee feedback has been strong, and we’ve secured long-term pricing with vendors willing to absorb equipment costs. Testing would begin with single-store pilots and expand regionally.
Pulled pork is easier to operationalize than meatballs and requires no new equipment. The protein is cost-effective and stable, and we’ve sourced three suppliers who meet spec. While not urgent, this platform is a smart, ready-to-go option for seasonal or culturally themed LTOs. It offers a hearty, craveable, and profitable protein that fits the brand and drives trial without operational strain.
Conduct Small-Scale Testing on Simple Enhancements
There are a number of items that don't require the complexity that meatball or pork bring that we need to further test with franchisees to gain insights. Those items include grilled pepperoni chips as an add-on like the bacon is used today - this will speed up operations and deliver a better flavor and texture than cold sliced pepperoni. Replacing the current gluten-free snickerdoodle cookie with a rice krispy treat is also a concept that those polled have regarded as a must-have for the dessert line-up. Cost modeling and size comparison testing has already been completed on this item that would bring more customers than just the gluten-free crowd. There are also a number of new sauces and flavors that we are experimenting with that need to be tried in the field - mainly for customers and crew feedback first at small scale and then larger to focus down on flavors that could bring enhancement across all subs.
• Grilled Pepperoni Chips as a topping (better texture and efficiency than cold slices)
• Gluten-Free Rice Krispy Treat to replace the snickerdoodle (broader appeal, strong feedback)
• New sauces and flavor enhancements (field testing to identify top performers)
These are low-cost, low-risk, and data-friendly options for quick insights and future scale.
Drive Non-Culinary Brand Enhancements
We are currently engaged with a number of projects non-culinary related that are designed to bring value to the brand. These include a modernization of the Phase 2 Leadership Experience that has been the backbone of Jersey Mike's industry-leading customer service; this includes a website and better digital experience for all crew members. Along with that, we have conceptual projects on clothing for consumers and crew alike designed to drive sales and recognition for the brand - this is already in a live web test for the last year that has shown results and direction in which to head. A redesign of the crew uniform, recognition pins for all workers, and a franchisee program designed to provide discounts and sales for all crew are also in various stages of approval.
Visit the Innovation Kitchen
We’d love to host you in Miami for a half-day working session at the Innovation Kitchen. This includes a review of past wins, in-market launches, and what’s next, plus a tasting of current pipeline items. Almost everything we’ve launched in recent years came to life through field level feedback by engaging franchisees, crew, and customers. Our team is lean, fast-moving, and aligned. We’re ready to build whatever future you set. This visit will help ensure we’re locked in with your priorities, vision, and the path forward for Jersey Mike’s.