Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Jersey Mike’s hires Stacy Peterson as new president and COO
- Peterson previously led Jeni’s and held senior roles at Wingstop
- She succeeds longtime COO Mike Manzo, who joined in the 1970s
Jersey Mike’s Subs is bringing on a restaurant industry veteran as its new president and chief operating officer.
In a Sept. 2 news release welcoming Stacy Peterson, the Manasquan-based fast casual said her expertise will be valuable in helping drive innovation and operational excellence, accelerating digital transformation and strengthening the brand’s leadership in the marketplace.
Before Jersey Mike’s, Peterson served as CEO of Ohio-headquartered Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams since December 2022.
Previously, she spent nearly a decade at chicken wing chain Wingstop, where she held multiple C-suite positions including chief revenue & technology officer, chief digital & technology officer, chief experience officer and chief information officer. Peterson’s resume also includes leadership roles at FedEx Office, Blockbuster, Service King Collision Repair Centers and CB Richard Ellis.
Peterson succeeds Mike Manzo. Since joining the company in the 1970s and working alongside founder Peter Cancro, Manzo rose through the ranks to become COO, overseeing key areas such as food safety, supply chain and overall operations.
Commenting on her new position, Peterson said, “Jersey Mike’s has built something truly special – a brand that connects with communities and delivers an exceptional experience that customers crave. I am honored to join the company at such an important moment in its growth journey, and I look forward to working with the talented team to drive innovation, further strengthen our best-in-class operations, and expand our impact across the U.S. market.”
Another Wingstop alum
Founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s started out as a small sandwich shop in Point Pleasant. With more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, it is now one of the fastest-growing quick service restaurants in North America.
In January, Jersey Mike’s completed the sale of a majority stake to private equity giant Blackstone for a reported $8 billion. When Cancro stepped down in April, he transitioned to the role of chairman of the board of directors. He also remains a significant minority shareholder in the company he spent decades building.
Charlie Morrison, Jersey Mike’s new CEO, brings more than 30 years of experience driving growth at high-profile franchised brands such as Wingstop and Salad and Go.
As chairman and CEO of Wingstop from 2012 to 2022, Morrison expanded the business from fewer than 500 locations to more than 2,000 stores in over 10 countries. In his most recent role as board member and then CEO of Salad and Go, he helped drive a nearly seven-fold increase in company store count. Other name brands Morrison has held leadership roles with include Pizza Inn, Pizza Hut, Steak and Ale and Boston Market.
Morrison said he was proud to welcome Peterson to Jersey Mike’s as the company continues efforts to “build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion.”
“Stacy was a key player in the growth and success of Wingstop when we partnered together there, and I look forward to bringing her expertise in digital, marketing and operations to Jersey Mike’s to accelerate our growth,” he said.
