• by Teresa Buyikian , April 24, 2025

After more than 50 years, Jersey Mike’s leader is passing on the reins to the next generation’s CEO.

Former Wingstop head Charlie Morrison has been appointed CEO of Jersey Mike’s as of April 28. Morrison succeeds Peter Cancro, who is stepping down from the CEO role 50 years after opening his first Jersey Mike’s location in 1975.

With a restaurant career spanning over 30 years, Morrison previously served as chairman and CEO of Wingstop from 2012 to 2022, during which time the company went public and grew from 500 to over 2000 stores in 10 countries.

"Having led Wingstop through a monumental period of growth and a successful IPO, [Morrison] knows what it takes to lead a first-of-its-kind, category-defining brand, and I am confident he will bring that same energy and vision to Jersey Mike's,” said Cancro in the announcement. “He also shares our values and commitment to giving to the communities we serve.”

Most recently, Morrison served as a board member and later CEO of drive-thru salad chain Salad and Go. He has also held several senior positions at restaurant brands including Pizza Inn, where he was president and CEO, as well as Pizza Hut, Steak and Ale and Boston Market.

Morrison “will build on the company's strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing investment in technology and digital transformation,” per the announcement.

Cancro will remain chairman of the chain’s board of directors and a shareholder, while Nigel Travis has been named lead director. Morrison will also serve on the board.

Last year Jersey Mike’s partnered with alternative asset manager Blackstone to “accelerate the company's global expansion and support its continued investment in technology and digital transformation.”

The original Jersey Mike’s was actually just one “Mike’s Subs” location when it was founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey in 1956.