Popular US chain is making its UK debut as part of global expansion

Britain is already home to a wave of US fast food stalwarts, and it appears another industry titan is posed to put down roots in the immediate future.

Less than a month into 2026, we’ve already seen some major food moves here in the UK.

Highlights include: McDonald’s launching its ‘Secret Menu’, Five Guys sharing a divisive lettuce wrap deal, and Starbucks finally launching the viral Bearista cups.

But the party doesn’t quite stop there, with various businesses pledging to expand and open brick and mortar sites in the coming months.

Australian favourite Zambrero is setting up shop in Scotland in 2026; Chick-fil-A, which welcomed customers in Leeds last October, has plans for further stores, and Chuck E. Cheese is set to make its debut.

And now another fast-food giant threw its hat into the ring, revealing plans to open a whopping 400 restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

A beloved USA sandwich shop is launching in the UK and Ireland (Jersey Mike's Subs)

The business, founded in 1956, has been dubbed by Redditors as ‘the best big chain to get a sub at’ in the United States.

Known for serving up fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, the company is called Jersey Mike's Subs - and it may be coming to a city near you sooner than you think.

Jersey Mike’s Subs' European extension marks a ‘pivotal milestone’ in the grab-and-go option’s ‘growth journey’, claimed CEO Charlie Morrison, formerly of Wingstop.

Andy Skehan, president of the international market, said that the UK and Ireland have been specifically targeted due to the territories ‘incredible potential’.

So, when is Jersey Mike’s Subs actually launching?

Restaurant Dive reported that the first European-based store is set to open this year as part of the firm's global expansion plans.

It’s not currently known which subs will make the menu of the newly-franchised company. However, fans can expect classic cold options and hot favourites, such as the Tuna Fish and the Big Kahuna Chicken Cheese Steak.

(YouTube/Jersey Mike's Subs)

The budget-friendly store also sells sweet treats like cookies and brownies, as well as drinks and crisps for a cut price.

British social media users have been begging for Jersey Mike’s Subs to expand for months, with one X user typing in May 2025: “I hope soon they bring jersey mikes to the UK. I have been wanting to try Jersey Mike’s ever since seeing it on my Youtube shorts.”

“I WISH WE HAD A JERSEY MIKES IN THE UK,” replied someone else.

“If they had a Jersey Mike’s or Jimmy John’s the UK I would be made out of deli meat and lettuce,” wrote a third.

Social media users have been asking for the expansion for months (Jersey Mike's Subs)

Speaking about making UK dwellers’ dreams come true, Peter Cancro, Founder and Chairman of the Board at Jersey Mike’s and CEO of JM Submarines UK LTD, said: “I’ve lived and breathed this brand my entire life, starting when I worked at the original Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant as a teenager.

“To now have the opportunity to bring Jersey Mike’s to the UK and Ireland as a franchisee is incredibly exciting. I see tremendous potential in these markets, and I’m eager to personally operate the brand I love in regions that value quality and community as much as we do.”

We’ll see you at the front of the line!