Jersey Mike's names first chief people officer
Jersey Mike’s is welcoming an HR veteran to its C-suite.
The fast-growing sandwich chain has named Betsy Mercado as its first chief people officer, effective immediately. In the role, she will lead Jersey Mike's people strategies that support growth and strengthen its “people-first culture,” including leadership development, compliance, and the overall team member experience.
Mercado brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership experience across the restaurant and franchise industries to Jersey Mike’s. Most recently, she served as chief people officer at Flynn Group, the world's largest franchise operator, overseeing HR operations for a 100-member team supporting more than 2,700 restaurants and fitness clubs nationwide. In that role, she led people strategies spanning talent acquisition, leadership development, culture initiatives, total rewards, HR technology and compliance.
"Betsy brings an exceptional combination of franchise expertise, strategic vision, and a genuine passion for developing people," said Jersey Mike’s CEO Charlie Morrison, who took the reins of the company in late April of this year. "Her background in franchise operations and proven success building world-class HR departments make her the ideal leader to advance our people-first culture. As we continue our rapid expansion, her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening and supporting our team members and ensuring we preserve the authentic Jersey Mike's culture as we scale nationally and globally."
Prior to Flynn Group, Mercado served as VP of human resources for The Palm Restaurants, where she led employee relations, talent management, and compensation and benefits.
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"Jersey Mike's has established itself as a brand that truly cares about its people and communities," said Mercado. "I'm energized to build on that legacy, strengthening the foundation already in place while shaping the future of people development at the company. My goal is to enhance an environment where every team member can grow, contribute meaningfully, and take pride in being a part of the Jersey Mike's story as it enters this next chapter of growth.”
Founded in 1956, Jersey Mike’s operates more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. In 2024, the chain was acquired by Blackstone for an estimated $8 billion.
