Inland Empire Jersey Mike's Honors Redlands Woman As Manager Of The Year

REDLANDS, CA - From Jersey Mikes: Last month, Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Inland Empire gathered together 63 general managers, supervisors and franchisees of its local restaurants to empower, educate, and celebrate this important leadership team.

Hosted by Jersey Mike’s Area Director Steve Leonard and his wife Jolene, the third annual event was held Wednesday, July 26 at the offices of one of the sub shop’s local partners — Sysco Riverside at 15750 Meridian Parkway.

Coordinated each year by Crystal White, Jersey Mike’s Regional Director of Operations and Training, the event’s theme was “Flawless Execution,” and reviewed Founder Peter Cancro’s vision/mission, leadership strategies, and operational training. There was also time for general managers to share best practices and brainstorm ideas with peers.

“Crystal’s vision to bring the local general managers together has become better than anything we could have imagined,” said Jolene Leonard. “Everyone leaves the meeting inspired, refreshed and motivated to make their locally owned and operated restaurants more productive, and make a difference in the lives of our customers and team members.”

At the event, the area development team presented the coveted 2017 GM of the Year award to Desiree Escobar from Redlands.

"Desiree has proven herself as a leader and a coach with her team. Her dedication to the Jersey Mike's brand can be seen through the efforts she puts into everything she does in the store, and through her relationships with each and every customer that comes through the doors,” said White. “She is humble, patient, and genuine.”

Escobar started as a part-time, hourly employee at one of the busiest stores in the nation, and has steadily worked her way up in the company.

During the sessions, Escobar and the other general managers had access to trainers with decades of experience like Steven McCollum, a Regional Director of Operations and Training for the company. Having worked at the restaurant level with the Leonards since they opened their first restaurant seven years ago, he is able to share relatable experience.

“It’s important to show we are all on the same team working toward the same goal,” McCollum said.
Programs like this help Jersey Mike’s stay focused on its mission to offer the best sub sandwich on the planet and give back to its local communities. Started in 1956, Jersey Mike’s now has 1,500 restaurants open and under development nationwide. This year, for the fourth year in a row, Jersey Mike’s was named the country’s fastest-growing sandwich chain in the 2017 Nation’s Restaurant News Top 100.

“While a small percentage of Jersey Mike’s restaurants are corporate stores, the bulk of them are owned by local businesspeople like us who love to get involved in the local community,” Leonard said.

Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $25 million for worthy local charities and have distributed more than 1.5 million free sub sandwiches to help numerous causes. This year, the company’s 7th Annual Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving in March raised more than $5.5 million for nearly 150 charities throughout the country, including Operation Gratitude and Bob Hope USO in the Inland Empire area. The local restaurants also raise thousands of dollars each year for other schools and other organizations.

About Jersey Mike’s
Jersey Mike’s, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 1,500 locations open and under development nationwide, believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference can be one and the same. Jersey Mike’s offers A Sub Above®, serving authentic fresh sliced subs on freshly baked bread – the same recipe it started with in 1956 – and is passionate about giving back to its local communities. For more information, please visit www.jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/jerseymikes) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/jerseymikes).

Image via Jersey Mikes