In a significant expansion move, Jimmy John’s has launched its inaugural Canadian outlet, which opened its doors on Tuesday in the bustling Toronto suburb of Etobicoke, Ontario. This new franchise is operated by Foodtastic, a Montreal-based franchise company led by the visionary president and chief executive officer Peter Mammas.
“We recognize exceptional brands and products when we see — and taste — them,” Mammas stated, expressing his enthusiasm for the launch. “The bold flavors and diverse menu at Jimmy John’s are truly unmatched, and we’re confident they’ll keep our guests coming back for more — and bringing their friends.” This reflects Mammas’ commitment to offering unique culinary experiences to Canadian customers.
To mark this momentous opening, the restaurant, situated at 197 North Queen St., generously offered free six-inch sandwiches accompanied by a 16-ounce beverage to the first 200 patrons who walked through its doors. This promotion aimed to introduce new guests to the Jimmy John’s experience while creating excitement in the local community.
The menu available at this location features 15 tantalizing sandwiches, a slight reduction from the approximately 17 found in U.S. locations. Among the delicious offerings are fan favorites like the Meatball Parmesan and the Chicken Bacon Ranch, alongside the chain’s best-seller, the Turkey Tom—a simple yet delightful combination of turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise served on a fresh roll.
This new restaurant marks Jimmy John’s third international location, following recent openings in El Salvador in September and South Korea in October, highlighting the company’s strategic push into global markets.
Part of the Atlanta-based Inspire Brands portfolio, which encompasses well-known names such as Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, and Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John’s is poised for growth. Inspire’s president and managing director for international operations, Michael Haley, expressed optimism about the brand’s potential in Canada while praising Foodtastic as an ideal franchise partner.
“Canada is one of the largest sandwich markets in the world, and we couldn’t ask for a better franchisee than Foodtastic,” Haley noted in his statement. “Canadian consumers are hungry for Jimmy John’s straightforward approach to making delicious sandwiches on their terms—a blend of quality ingredients and convenience that is second to none.” This statement emphasizes the brand’s commitment to satisfying the tastes and preferences of Canadian customers.
Foodtastic manages an impressive portfolio of over 1,200 restaurants across Canada and beyond, with approximately $1 billion in annual sales. Within its diverse array of offerings, Jimmy John’s proudly stands as the 27th brand featured in Foodtastic’s growing collection, which includes popular names like Pita Pit, Freshii, Copper Branch, and Souvlaki Bar, according to its official website.
In the United States, there are more than 2,600 Jimmy John’s locations, reflecting the brand’s overwhelming popularity and commitment to providing superior sandwich options to its customers.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected]
What led Foodtastic to partner with Jimmy John’s for entry into the Canadian market?
**Interview with Peter Mammas, CEO of Foodtastic, on the Launch of Jimmy John’s in Canada**
**Editor**: Welcome, Peter! It’s exciting to see Jimmy John’s make its debut in Canada. Can you tell us about the motivation behind choosing Etobicoke for the first location?
**Peter Mammas**: Thank you for having me! Etobicoke is a vibrant and growing community, making it an ideal spot for our first Jimmy John’s. It offers a diverse population that appreciates quality food, and we believe our menu will resonate well with the local tastes.
**Editor**: You mentioned the unique flavors and menu offerings at Jimmy John’s. How do you plan to adapt these to Canadian preferences?
**Peter Mammas**: We have a great menu with bold flavors that Canadians will love. While we’re starting with 15 sandwiches, slightly fewer than the 17 in the U.S., we intend to keep an eye on feedback and adapt accordingly. We’ll be focusing on introducing local flavors that resonate with our Canadian customers while retaining some of the fan favorites like the Turkey Tom and Meatball Parmesan.
**Editor**: The opening promotion offering free sandwiches was a hit! What was the thinking behind that?
**Peter Mammas**: We wanted to create excitement around our launch and introduce people to what Jimmy John’s is all about. Offering the first 200 patrons free sandwiches and beverages seemed like a great way to not only draw in a crowd but also to ensure our first guests have a memorable experience.
**Editor**: Looking ahead, what are your plans for expansion in Canada?
**Peter Mammas**: We have ambitious plans under Foodtastic to open 200 locations across Canada in the next decade. We’re thrilled about the opportunities ahead and are committed to bringing Jimmy John’s to various communities throughout the country. Our aim is to adapt our offerings and operations to fit the unique Canadian market while staying true to our brand.
**Editor**: That sounds promising! Any last words for those in the Etobicoke area who are yet to try Jimmy John’s?
**Peter Mammas**: I encourage everyone to come by, try our sandwiches, and see what we’re all about! We’re excited to become part of the community and look forward to serving you delicious food that you’ll love. Thank you for having me!
**Editor**: Thank you, Peter! We look forward to watching Jimmy John’s growth in Canada!