Betsy Mercado Takes the Helm as Chief People Officer at Jersey Mike's Subs

Jersey Mike's Welcomes Betsy Mercado as Chief People Officer

Jersey Mike's Subs, a well-known name in the fast-casual dining sector, has taken a significant step in enhancing its corporate culture and operational strategy with the appointment of Betsy Mercado as its new Chief People Officer. This decision, announced on September 30, 2025, highlights the company’s commitment to fostering a people-centric environment as it continues to expand its footprint across the United States and Canada.

As Chief People Officer, Mercado is set to spearhead Jersey Mike's comprehensive human resources strategies aimed at supporting the company's ambitious growth targets while cultivating a strong, inclusive workplace culture. Her role will involve overseeing leadership development, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and enhancing the overall experience for team members. By implementing initiatives aimed at building high-performance teams and enhancing organizational capability, Mercado hopes to preserve the unique brand identity of Jersey Mike's even as it scales.

Charlie Morrison, the Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Mike's, expressed his enthusiasm for Mercado's arrival, stating, "Betsy brings an exceptional combination of franchise expertise, strategic vision, and a genuine passion for developing people." This sentiment underscores the importance that Jersey Mike's places on building effective human resources practices, especially during a period of rapid organizational growth.

Mercado's professional background is impressive, boasting over 20 years of experience in human resources leadership roles within the restaurant and franchise sectors. Before joining Jersey Mike's, she served as Chief People Officer at Flynn Group, recognized as the world's largest franchise operator, where she managed human resources for a team of 100 staff supporting over 2,700 establishments nationwide. Mercado's earlier roles include Vice President of Human Resources for The Palm Restaurants, where she led various initiatives in employee relations, talent management, and compensation.

"Jersey Mike's has established itself as a brand that truly cares about its people and communities," said Mercado upon her appointment. "I'm energized to build on that legacy, strengthening the foundation already in place while shaping the future of people development at the company. My goal is to enhance an environment where every team member can grow, contribute meaningfully, and take pride in being part of the Jersey Mike's story as it enters this next chapter of growth."

Founded in 1956 as Mike's Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike's has grown significantly over the decades, now operating more than 3,000 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company has earned recognition as one of the fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant chains, placing #2 on Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500 list and #6 on Yelp's 2025 list of Fastest Growing Brands.

Aside from financial success, Jersey Mike's has a deep-rooted commitment to community service. The brand was honored with a spot on Forbes' inaugural Best Brands for Social Impact List in 2025, reaffirming its dedication to social responsibility. During its 15th Annual Month of Giving, Jersey Mike's raised a record-breaking $30 million for local charities, contributing over $143 million since the initiative began in 2011.

Furthermore, the company has been recognized as the leading sandwich chain in America in 2025 by Eat This, Not That! with a growing focus on sustainability and social impact within its business practices.

In conclusion, Betsy Mercado's addition as Chief People Officer is a pivotal move for Jersey Mike's as it aims to strengthen its workforce and enhance its company culture amid its continuous growth. Her extensive experience and passion for people development mark a promising new chapter for the brand. For more information about Jersey Mike's, visit their official website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.