<p>The Founderz Lounge Episode #79 with Mike Manzo.</p><p>What does it take to grow a franchise brand without drifting away from the things that made it work in the first place?</p><p>In this episode of The Founderz Lounge, Don and Steve sit down with Mike Manzo, former COO of Jersey Mike’s, to talk about the discipline it takes to build a brand that lasts. From franchisee profitability and operational standards to hospitality, leadership, and long-term thinking, Mike breaks down how Jersey Mike’s stayed focused on what mattered instead of chasing every trend or copying the competition.</p><p>This conversation gets into the real challenges founders and franchise leaders face as they grow: protecting the brand, supporting operators, avoiding costly distractions, and knowing when to evolve without losing what made the business special to begin with. Mike also shares lessons on owner-operators, culture, training, and why strong brands win by staying true to themselves.</p><p>If you’re building a franchise company, leading a growing brand, or trying to scale without losing direction, this episode is packed with practical insight.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><p>[00:00] Trailer</p><p>[01:51] Mike Manzo’s Jersey Mike’s journey</p><p>[04:25] How Jersey Mike’s got its name</p><p>[05:58] Family culture in franchising</p><p>[06:49] Why hospitality wins</p><p>[09:14] Surviving the hard years</p><p>[10:17] Growth pressure and momentum</p><p>[11:44] Why unit profitability matters</p><p>[13:38] Brand equity vs quick wins</p><p>[14:15] Why friendly service matters</p><p>[18:25] Protecting the brand</p><p>[20:43] Jersey Mike’s non-negotiables</p><p>[22:55] How Mike vets franchisees</p><p>[25:02] Multi-unit growth done right</p><p>[27:15] When the brand took off</p><p>[29:21] Avoiding complacency</p><p>[31:55] From part-time to owner</p><p>[35:09] Paying and keeping great people</p><p>[36:41] Holding the standard</p><p>[39:43] The cost of chasing competitors</p><p>[41:55] The meatball sub lesson</p><p>[45:09] When founders need to let go</p><p>[48:10] Hiring C-suite talent</p><p>[52:54] Fast Five</p><p>[53:23] Mike’s top KPI</p><p>[53:59] Mike’s best advice</p><p>[55:16] The worst founder advice</p><p>[57:36] Good vs great franchisees</p><p>[58:15] What Mike would ban in franchising</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways: </strong> </p><p>• “This is hospitality. This isn’t a job.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• Building a franchise brand around hospitality is harder, but it creates stronger operators. ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• “It’s a constant grind.” ~Don Varady</p><p>• “Friendly service” is the real experience customers remember. ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• The experience economy is not just speed. It is what the customer sees and feels. ~Steve Bon</p><p>• “Complacency has no home here.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• “Stop trying to become your competitors.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• Founders do not have to carry the shovel forever. ~Mike Manzo</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Mike Manzo…</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-manzo-89a7549/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-manzo-89a7549/</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Jersey Mike&#39;s:</strong></p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.jerseymikes.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Don and Steve…</strong></p><p><strong>Don Varady:</strong></p><p>Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/</a> </p><p>Instagram:<a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/</a> </p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145</a> </p><p><strong>Steve Bon:</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/stevebon8" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://instagram.com/stevebon8</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:</strong> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/</a> </p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge</a> </p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G</a> </p><p>Apple Music: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Founderz Lounge is Powered By:</strong></p><p><strong>Clean Eatz:</strong></p><p>Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/</a> </p><p>Instagram:<a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/</a> </p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://cleaneatz.com/about" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://cleaneatz.com/</a></p><p>Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Bon’s Eye Marketing:</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon&#39;s-eye-marketing/</a> </p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon&#39;s-eye-marketing/</a> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://bonseyeonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://bonseyeonline.com/</a> </p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477</a>  </p>

The Founderz Lounge

Don Varady & Stephen Bon

How Jersey Mike’s Stayed True to the Brand w/ COO Mike Manzo (EP #79)

MAR 23, 202659 MIN
The Founderz Lounge

How Jersey Mike’s Stayed True to the Brand w/ COO Mike Manzo (EP #79)

MAR 23, 202659 MIN

Description

<p>The Founderz Lounge Episode #79 with Mike Manzo.</p><p>What does it take to grow a franchise brand without drifting away from the things that made it work in the first place?</p><p>In this episode of The Founderz Lounge, Don and Steve sit down with Mike Manzo, former COO of Jersey Mike’s, to talk about the discipline it takes to build a brand that lasts. From franchisee profitability and operational standards to hospitality, leadership, and long-term thinking, Mike breaks down how Jersey Mike’s stayed focused on what mattered instead of chasing every trend or copying the competition.</p><p>This conversation gets into the real challenges founders and franchise leaders face as they grow: protecting the brand, supporting operators, avoiding costly distractions, and knowing when to evolve without losing what made the business special to begin with. Mike also shares lessons on owner-operators, culture, training, and why strong brands win by staying true to themselves.</p><p>If you’re building a franchise company, leading a growing brand, or trying to scale without losing direction, this episode is packed with practical insight.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Timestamps:</strong></p><p>[00:00] Trailer</p><p>[01:51] Mike Manzo’s Jersey Mike’s journey</p><p>[04:25] How Jersey Mike’s got its name</p><p>[05:58] Family culture in franchising</p><p>[06:49] Why hospitality wins</p><p>[09:14] Surviving the hard years</p><p>[10:17] Growth pressure and momentum</p><p>[11:44] Why unit profitability matters</p><p>[13:38] Brand equity vs quick wins</p><p>[14:15] Why friendly service matters</p><p>[18:25] Protecting the brand</p><p>[20:43] Jersey Mike’s non-negotiables</p><p>[22:55] How Mike vets franchisees</p><p>[25:02] Multi-unit growth done right</p><p>[27:15] When the brand took off</p><p>[29:21] Avoiding complacency</p><p>[31:55] From part-time to owner</p><p>[35:09] Paying and keeping great people</p><p>[36:41] Holding the standard</p><p>[39:43] The cost of chasing competitors</p><p>[41:55] The meatball sub lesson</p><p>[45:09] When founders need to let go</p><p>[48:10] Hiring C-suite talent</p><p>[52:54] Fast Five</p><p>[53:23] Mike’s top KPI</p><p>[53:59] Mike’s best advice</p><p>[55:16] The worst founder advice</p><p>[57:36] Good vs great franchisees</p><p>[58:15] What Mike would ban in franchising</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Takeaways: </strong> </p><p>• “This is hospitality. This isn’t a job.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• Building a franchise brand around hospitality is harder, but it creates stronger operators. ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• “It’s a constant grind.” ~Don Varady</p><p>• “Friendly service” is the real experience customers remember. ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• The experience economy is not just speed. It is what the customer sees and feels. ~Steve Bon</p><p>• “Complacency has no home here.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• “Stop trying to become your competitors.” ~Mike Manzo</p><p>• Founders do not have to carry the shovel forever. ~Mike Manzo</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Mike Manzo…</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-manzo-89a7549/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-manzo-89a7549/</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Jersey Mike&#39;s:</strong></p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.jerseymikes.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> https://www.jerseymikes.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Don and Steve…</strong></p><p><strong>Don Varady:</strong></p><p>Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/</a> </p><p>Instagram:<a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/</a> </p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145</a> </p><p><strong>Steve Bon:</strong></p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/stevebon8" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://instagram.com/stevebon8</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform:</strong> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/</a> </p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge</a> </p><p>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G</a> </p><p>Apple Music: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>The Founderz Lounge is Powered By:</strong></p><p><strong>Clean Eatz:</strong></p><p>Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/</a> </p><p>Instagram:<a href="http://www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/</a> </p><p>Website:<a href="https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> </a><a href="https://cleaneatz.com/about" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://cleaneatz.com/</a></p><p>Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA</a> </p><p><br></p><p><strong>Bon’s Eye Marketing:</strong></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing</a> </p><p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon&#39;s-eye-marketing/</a> </p><p>LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon&#39;s-eye-marketing/</a> </p><p>Website: <a href="https://bonseyeonline.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://bonseyeonline.com/</a> </p><p>YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477</a>  </p>