Leading Executives in Sandwich Shops, Bagel Shops, Sub Shops
Jonathan Fitzpatrick
Chief Executive Officer, Subway
Named CEO effective July 28, 2025 after leading Driven Brands; tasked with accelerating global expansion and franchisee profitability under Roark ownership.
Website | Press email | Press release
Charlie Morrison
Chief Executive Officer, Jersey Mike’s Subs
Took the helm April 28, 2025 after leading Wingstop; guiding one of America’s fastest‑growing sandwich brands through tech and international expansion while founder Peter Cancro serves as chairman.
James North
Brand President, Jimmy John’s (Inspire Brands)
Longtime brand leader who sets strategy and oversees marketing, operations, and supply chain for 2,800+ units within Inspire Brands’ portfolio.
Mike Hancock
President, U.S. & Canada, Firehouse Subs (Restaurant Brands International)
Elevated in 2023 to lead U.S. and Canada; driving development and first‑responder‑centric franchising incentives as the brand expands globally.
Paul Carbone
Chief Executive Officer, Panera Brands (Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Brands, Caribou Coffee)
Former CFO named CEO on March 25, 2025; leading portfolio transformation and IPO‑readiness while sharpening menu and loyalty economics at Panera Bread.
Pano Christou
Chief Executive Officer, Pret A Manger (JAB Holding)
CEO since 2019 who steered Pret’s global rebound, digital growth and U.S. expansion; currently executing footprint and value proposition resets.
Robert D. “Bob” Wright
President & Chief Executive Officer, Potbelly
Turnaround specialist leading Potbelly’s growth agenda and store economics since 2020; currently guiding the brand through its announced sale to RaceTrac.
Jeff Sinelli
Founder, CEO & Chief Vibe Officer, Which Wich Superior Sandwiches (Sinelli Concepts)
Founder and brand architect known for the ‘Chief Vibe Officer’ culture and constant menu/format innovation that fueled the brand’s global franchising.
Neel Patel
Chief Executive Officer, REGO Restaurant Group (Quiznos & Taco del Mar)
Appointed CEO in March 2025 to accelerate Quiznos’ comeback via modular ‘Qube’ buildouts, franchising and data‑driven unit economics.
Jeff Smit
Chief Operating Officer, Kahala Brands (former Blimpie President), Kahala Brands / Blimpie
Kahala’s longtime COO and former Blimpie president; key operator behind portfolio synergies that support the legacy sub shop’s national franchising.
Troy Cormier
Chief Executive Officer, Jason’s Deli
Veteran finance/operator elevated to CEO; steering a 240+ unit family‑owned deli through brand refresh, digital upgrades and guest experience design.
Mike Freeman
President, Brands (GoTo Foods), GoTo Foods (parent of McAlister’s Deli, Schlotzsky’s, etc.)
Former McAlister’s chief brand officer who led the brand past $1B system sales; now oversees strategy and performance for multiple sandwich/deli brands at scale.
Leadership bio | Parent company
Donna Spangler‑Josephson
Chief Brand Officer, Schlotzsky’s (GoTo Foods)
Marketing and operations veteran charged with accelerating sales growth and development as chief brand officer, guiding the Original® sourdough sandwich brand.
Matt Dowling
Chief Executive Officer (also CFO), TOGO’S Sandwiches
Finance and operations leader promoted to CEO in Oct 2024; advancing remodels, menu innovation and West Coast expansion.
Eric Wolfe
Chief Executive Officer & President, Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop
Acquirer‑operator who’s led the Upper Midwest sandwich brand since 2004; focused on small‑footprint growth, co‑branding and operational discipline.
Nicholas Papanier Jr.
Owner, President & Chief Executive Officer, PrimoHoagies
Second‑generation leader who has scaled the South Philly hoagie brand through disciplined franchising; multiple industry awards for ‘Best Sandwich Shop.’
Charley Shin
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Charleys Philly Steaks (Gosh Enterprises)
Founder‑CEO who built the world’s largest cheesesteak franchise and is now pushing freestanding ‘Cheesesteaks & Wings’ growth and non‑traditional venues.
Ericka Garza
Brand President, Au Bon Pain (Ampex Brands)
Franchising specialist recruited as brand president to revitalize the bakery‑café icon across traditional and non‑traditional channels.
Ashley Morris
Chief Executive Officer, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
CEO who, with the leadership team, has grown the Las Vegas‑based brand nationally while maintaining its scratch‑roasted turkey ‘Bobbie’ cult following.
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