Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Velazquez.
Angel Velazquez is Jersey Mike’s Area Director in the Los Angeles area. The fast-casual sub sandwich franchise has more than 1,500 restaurants open and under development nationwide and has a long tradition of community involvement.
With Angel and his business partner Dan Burrell identifying top-notch franchisees, Jersey Mike’s has opened 117 restaurants in the L.A. market, more than doubling in the last five years.
Angel and Dan opened the first Jersey Mike’s restaurant in California in 2003. They now own 12 Jersey Mike’s restaurants with three in development.
Angel has been in the restaurant business for 30 years, starting his restaurant career at age 13 at McDonald’s.
His favorite sub is the #9 Club Supreme.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Early on, the biggest challenge Dan and I faced was finding a location that a landlord would allow us to go into. At that time, the big sub players in California were Quiznos and Subway — Jersey Mike’s Subs was an unknown brand. In fact, few west of the Mississippi had ever heard of Jersey Mike’s. Once we found the location in Camarillo we spent many months educating our guests about the brand. Today, customers throughout the L.A. area know that they can always count on Jersey Mike’s for great service, clean stores, and the freshness of the product. And let’s not forget “The Juice” – red wine vinegar and olive oil blended to perfection. The Juice tops subs with an exquisite zing that makes the Jersey Mike’s product pretty special.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jersey Mike’s Subs – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Jersey Mike’s, a fast-casual sub sandwich franchise with more than 1,500 locations open and under development nationwide, believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference can be one and the same. Jersey Mike’s offers A Sub Above®, serving authentic fresh sliced subs on freshly baked bread – the same recipe it started with in 1956 – and is passionate about giving back to its local communities.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’d have to say that my proudest moment has been seeing our brand grow. I’ve been part of something pretty special. I see it with our guests because they want to associate themselves with our brand beyond the transaction. It always puts a smile on my face when people walk up to me while wearing my Jersey Mike’s logo and say ‘I love Jersey Mike’s’. It’s also a great feeling to know that we can help the local community. For instance, in March, during Jersey Mike’s 2016 Month of Giving, our L.A. area locations raised more than $430,000 for two amazing organizations: Operation Gratitude and City of Hope.
Stay tuned for results from the 2017 Month of Giving campaign!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jerseymike’s.com
Image Credit:
Credit: Jersey Mike’s Subs
