Jersey Mike's Welcomes Michele Allen as Chief Financial Officer
In a significant move aimed at bolstering its financial leadership, Jersey Mike's Subs has appointed Michele Allen as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective December 1, 2025. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in finance, particularly within the hospitality and franchising sectors, Allen's appointment comes at an exciting time as the fast-casual sandwich chain embarks on ambitious global expansion plans.
Michele Allen steps into this pivotal role, taking over from Walter Tombs, who will retire in January 2026 after an impressive 26-year tenure with the company. During his time, Tombs' leadership played a vital role in positioning Jersey Mike's for long-term success, most notably during its acquisition by Blackstone. He will remain with the company as an advisor during the transition, ensuring that his extensive knowledge and experience continue to benefit the organization.
"We want to express our gratitude to Walt for his exceptional service and leadership throughout the years at Jersey Mike's. His contributions have been invaluable, especially during the acquisition phase, which set the groundwork for our future success," stated Charlie Morrison, CEO of Jersey Mike's. Morrison further emphasized that Allen’s appointment would add significant value to the leadership team as they navigate the next phase of growth and scaling of operations.
As CFO, Allen will oversee the company's global financial organization, ensuring that their supply chain and performance management systems align with Jersey Mike's plans for nationwide expansion and entry into international markets. Her extensive background in finance and strategic leadership will be essential as Jersey Mike's seeks to enhance its financial discipline and overall performance during this growth phase.
"Jersey Mike's embodies strong unit economics and a robust franchise model, coupled with a culture rooted in service and integrity," noted Allen. "I have dedicated my career to empowering franchisees to maximize their potential, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise to a brand that is on the rise. I am keen to collaborate with Charlie, the leadership team, and our franchisees to build upon Jersey Mike's impressive momentum and guide the company through its next growth chapter."
Before joining Jersey Mike's, Allen held the position of CFO and Head of Strategy at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, where she navigated complex transactions and transformative strategies within one of the largest hospitality franchise networks in the world. Her career began at Deloitte, where she worked as an auditor and earned her CPA, equipping her with a solid foundation in financial management and corporate governance.
Jersey Mike's is currently strategically enhancing its executive team, with several key appointments in recent months to support the continued growth trajectory. Among these are Stacy Peterson as President and Chief Operating Officer, Betsy Mercado as Chief People Officer, and Andy Skehan as President of International, all of whom will play pivotal roles in expanding Jersey Mike’s franchise-first model and improving the overall guest experience.
Founded in 1956 as Mike's Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, Jersey Mike's has grown into a prominent player in the fast-casual dining sector, boasting over 3,100 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The company is consistently recognized as a top growth brand, ranking #2 in Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500 list and #6 in Yelp's 2025 List of Fastest Growing Brands. Moreover, Jersey Mike's is dedicated to giving back to the community, having raised significant funds for various local charities through its Month of Giving initiative, further solidifying its commitment to social impact.
With Michele Allen's appointment, Jersey Mike's is well-positioned to take advantage of new opportunities in the fast-casual dining market while preserving the culture, operational excellence, and core values that have made it a beloved brand nationwide.
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