Leading Executives in Delis
Jonathan Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive Officer, Subway
Former Driven Brands CEO and Burger King veteran who became Subway’s chief executive on July 28, 2025, to lead the next phase after the Roark Capital acquisition.
Website | Newsroom/Press | LinkedIn (company)
Charlie Morrison
Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Mike’s Subs
Wingstop’s former CEO tapped in April 2025 to accelerate domestic and international growth; founder Peter Cancro moved to chairman.
James North
Brand President, Jimmy John’s (Inspire Brands)
Longtime brand leader who oversees strategy, marketing, operations and supply chain for 2,800+ shops across 43 states.
Paul Carbone
Interim Chief Executive Officer, Panera Brands (Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee, Einstein Bros.)
CFO elevated to interim CEO on January 7, 2025, to steer Panera’s strategy and brand momentum.
Website | Press | LinkedIn (company)
Robert (Bob) Wright
Chief Executive Officer, Potbelly
Turnaround specialist who led Potbelly’s transformation and, in Sept. 2025, announced an all‑cash sale to RaceTrac to accelerate expansion.
Website | Investor relations | LinkedIn (company)
Troy Cormier
Chief Executive Officer, Jason’s Deli
Veteran finance leader who became CEO and is guiding a brand refresh and prototype rollout in 2025 for the family‑owned deli chain.
Danielle Porto Parra
Chief Brand Officer, McAlister’s Deli (GoTo Foods)
Marketing and digital veteran elevated to Chief Brand Officer in January 2025, responsible for brand growth, operations and franchise health.
Website | Corporate parent (GoTo Foods) | LinkedIn (company)
Donna Spangler‑Josephson
Chief Brand Officer, Schlotzsky’s (GoTo Foods)
Seasoned restaurant marketer appointed chief brand officer in July 2024 to drive ops and marketing for the Austin‑born deli brand.
Website | Corporate parent (GoTo Foods) | LinkedIn (company)
Mike Hancock
President, Firehouse Subs (Restaurant Brands International)
Heads the Firehouse Subs brand; former CEO Don Fox now serves as chairman supporting President Mike Hancock and the leadership team.
Jeff Sinelli
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Which Wich
Founder and culture driver behind the customizable sandwich concept, marking 21 years in 2024 as CEO.
Website | Franchising site | LinkedIn (company)
Nicholas Papanier Jr.
Owner, President & Chief Executive Officer, PrimoHoagies
Second‑generation owner who has scaled the South Philly‑born hoagie brand past 125 locations and multiple USA Today ‘Best Sandwich Shop’ wins.
Website | Instagram | X (Twitter)
Ashley Morris
Chief Executive Officer, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Growth‑focused leader who has expanded the slow‑roasted‑turkey cult favorite through franchising and innovation since taking the helm.
Chris Gheysens
Chief Executive Officer, Wawa
Long‑time chief executive steering the beloved hoagie‑and‑coffee chain’s Midwest expansion and 1,100+ store footprint.
Carlos Giraldo
President, Boar’s Head Brand
Brand steward overseeing one of America’s largest premium deli meats and cheeses companies as president, amid an intensified focus on food safety.
Louis Eni
President & Chief Executive Officer, Dietz & Watson
Third‑generation leader and CEO of the Philadelphia‑based, family‑owned deli meats and cheeses maker spotlighted in a 2025 brand campaign.
Niki Russ Federman
Co‑owner, Russ & Daughters (NYC)
Fourth‑generation co‑owner who helped modernize an iconic 114‑year‑old appetizing shop while preserving its heritage.
Jake Dell
Owner, Katz’s Delicatessen (NYC)
Fifth‑generation owner credited with modernizing operations and growing catering and nationwide shipping for the 1888 institution.
Ari Weinzweig
Co‑founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (Ann Arbor)
Celebrated deli co‑founder and CEO whose values‑driven approach and ZingTrain have influenced operators across the specialty food world.
Website | LinkedIn (company) | Training/Speaking
Norm Langer
Owner, Langer’s Delicatessen‑Restaurant (Los Angeles)
Second‑generation proprietor behind L.A.’s pastrami landmark, an enduring standard‑bearer for classic Jewish deli fare since 1947.
Matt Dowling
Chief Executive Officer, TOGO’S Sandwiches
Finance and operations veteran promoted to CEO in October 2024 to drive growth and the brand’s 3.0 remodel program.
Website | LinkedIn (company) | Press (brand)
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