The third-fastest growing food chain nationwide is based in NJ

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Jersey Mike’s is the third fastest growing quick service restaurant in the country, according to a list published by industry outlet QSR Magazine on Oct. 27.

The sub sandwich chain, which started as a solo shop down the shore before then-teenage employee Peter Cancro bought it off his boss and spent the next couple decades turning the brand into a nationwide empire, has opened 189 locations since 2019 and currently has 1,856 stores. The vast majority of those – 1,842 – are franchised locations.

“Despite restrictions, delays in construction, and a variety of other factors amid the COVID pandemic, these quick-service chains managed to grow their brand to new and existing markets and to reach more customers,” QSR Editor Danny Klein wrote alongside the list.

Nationwide sales at Jersey Mike’s tally $1.595 billion, with the average location raking in $936,000 annually.

QSR also included the chain on its top 50 list of fast food chains nationwide, published in August.

Plenty of other list makers have locations in New Jersey, including both Starbucks and Domino’s—the only contenders that beat Jersey Mike’s out.