Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as New CEO — But Is That Enough to Take On Jersey Mike's?

Fast food chain Subway has appointed Jonathan Fitzpatrick as its new chief executive, marking the sandwich giant's first permanent leadership change since private equity firm Roark Capital acquired the chain for $9.6 billion (£7.12 billion) last year—a move that comes as aggressive rival Jersey Mike's rapidly expands across America with 300 new stores annually.

The appointment signals a critical juncture for the world's largest submarine sandwich franchise, which closed 631 US locations in 2024 whilst Jersey Mike's achieved £2.74 billion in US sales, representing a 12 per cent year-on-year increase.

Fitzpatrick, who previously led automotive services company Driven Brands through 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, faces the immediate challenge of reversing Subway's domestic decline while accelerating international expansion.

Jonathan's appointment comes at a pivotal time for the company as it faces significant competition from Jersey Mike's, which has seen greater expansion under its CEO, Charlie Morrison.

Subway New CEO Brings in Experience

Fitzpatrick previously served as President and CEO of Driven Brands, an automotive services company. Under his leadership, the company, which holds brands such as Meineke, Maaco, 1-800 Radiator, CARSTAR, Fix Auto USA, achieved 17 straight quarters of same-store sales growth.

He also held senior roles at Burger King, including Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Operations Officer. During said tenures, Jonathan led the fast-food chain's most extensive menu overhaul.

'I'm honoured to lead this iconic brand that has been serving guests around the world for 60 years,' Fitzpatrick said in a press statement. 'Subway has a solid foundation built on decades of providing freshly made, better-for-you options with value and convenience. I'm excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the company, working alongside our valued franchisees and employees to help drive increased sales and franchisee profitability and grow our brand around the world.'

As part of this transition, Fitzpatrick will work closely with Interim CEO Carrie Walsh.

Comparing Subway and Jersey Mike's US Footprint

Subway's US footprint has declined, with 631 locations closed in 2024, resulting in a reduction of its units to 19,502 amid a strategic consolidation. Part of said reorganisation is focusing on non-traditional venues (airports, campuses) and doubling global openings to over 10,000 future commitments, especially internationally.

Meanwhile, Jersey Mike's is on the opposite trajectory—surpassing 3,000 US locations, adding ~300 units annually, and growing system-wide at a 12% year-over-year rate. Backed by Blackstone's $8 billion (£5.93 billion) investment, it aims for 350–400 new openings from this year to 2026.

It is worth noting that Jersey Mike's also announced Charlie Morrison—ex-CEO of Wingstop (who grew the brand from less than 500 to more than 2,000 stores and led its IPO) and Salad & Go—as its CEO, effective April of this year.

Their Latest Financials Reflect on Stability

In 2024, Subway generated its highest-ever US average unit volume (~$490,000 or £363,000). Still, it closed 631 domestic outlets, bringing the count below 20,000—its first dip in two decades—as same-store sales remain stable globally but US performance softens.

By contrast, Jersey Mike's achieved ~$3.7 billion (£2.74 billion) in US sales—a 12% year-over-year rise—driven by the opening of around 300 stores, which expanded its footprint to ~3,000 locations.

Subway's strategy hinges on reducing and optimising its US network while leaning into global growth. In contrast, Jersey Mike's is capitalising on strong domestic momentum to scale aggressively, leveraging record US sales and rapid store expansion under private‑equity support.

A Tale of Different Business Objectives

Subway and Jersey Mike's illustrate two distinct paths in the US sandwich market. Subway, with over 60 years of brand legacy, is consolidating its massive US footprint to strengthen profitability while focusing heavily on international growth and non-traditional venues. Under its new CEO, new developments are expected to emerge.

Jersey Mike's, meanwhile, is aggressively expanding domestically under new CEO Charlie Morrison, who brings proven experience from Wingstop's explosive growth, backed by Blackstone. Jersey Mike's aims to sustain double-digit sales increases and add hundreds of new locations annually. As competition intensifies, both brands are redefining their strategies to secure long-term market share and meet the evolving tastes of consumers across the US.

For British consumers watching these American developments, the implications are clear: expect more innovation, better value propositions, and intensified competition as both chains vie for global expansion. The winner in this high-stakes sandwich showdown will be determined not just by store count, but by who best satisfies the modern consumer's appetite for quality, convenience, and value.