January 25, 2025 | Awake & Dreaming

1. The CEO worked at the original shop as a teen. Then he bought it.

Back when the original store in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, was called Mike’s Subs, Peter Cancro began as a sandwich shop wrapper at 14. He eventually earned the right to slice meats, constantly talking to tourists and memorizing their orders. When the owners of Mike’s Subs put the store up for sale, Cancro’s mother encouraged him to buy it. So Cancro bought Mike’s Subs at the age of 17 with a loan from his former football coach (who was also a banker).

2. Jersey Mike’s holds an annual day and month of giving.

The Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving also includes the “Annual Day of Giving” on the last Wednesday of March. On this day, 100% of sales — not just profits — are donated to each location’s local charity partners. In 2024, the Annual Month of Giving raised more than $25 million to help over 200 local charities. This amount includes customer donations and 100% of sales from March 27, 2024. After 14 Annual Months of Giving, Jersey Mike’s has raised $113 million.

3. Danny DeVito was Jersey Mike’s first celebrity endorsement.

Danny DeVito grew up not too far from the original Mike’s Subs at the Jersey Shore. When he became Jersey Mike’s first-ever celebrity endorsement in a commercial, Peter Cancro was skeptical. However, Cancro saw DeVito’s work ethic and commitment during the commercial shoot and realized that DeVito fit well into the Jersey Mike’s culture.

4. Jersey Mike’s is the official naming rights partner of Rutgers Athletics.

Jersey Mike’s has a multi-year agreement with Rutgers University to be the official naming rights partner of Rutgers Athletics. The former Rutgers Athletic Center (The RAC) was renamed the Jersey Mike’s Arena and the space hosts several Rutgers Athletics sporting events and even concerts.

5. There is an alleged secret menu.

There are no official claims for a secret menu at Jersey Mike’s, but many customers believe there to be one. It is unclear if customers are just modifying existing sandwiches to create something new, but the mystery of a secret menu still lives on.

6. There are currently three international locations, but not for long.

Jersey Mike’s has two locations in Canada and one in Mexico, however the brand announced a partnership with one of Canada’s largest restaurant operators, Redberry. This partnership expects to open 300 more locations in Canada by 2034.

7. Jersey Mike’s is the official sub sandwich of the NHL.

In 2023, Jersey Mike’s became an official partner of the National Hockey League (NHL) and their subs are the official sandwich. This agreement includes marketing rights and digital advertising on the ice.

When deciding between wired and Bluetooth speakers, there are a few key factors to consider. Here’s a comparison to help you decide which is best for your needs:

1. Sound Quality: Wired Speakers: Generally provide better sound quality, as they don’t suffer from any potential interference or signal loss that Bluetooth connections sometimes experience. The connection is more stable and direct, ensuring consistent audio performance. Bluetooth Speakers: While many Bluetooth speakers can still deliver great sound, there may be slight degradation in sound quality due to compression and potential interference, especially if the Bluetooth connection isn’t strong.

2. Convenience: Wired Speakers: They need to be physically connected to your audio source, which means you’re limited by the length of the cable. This can be restrictive in terms of placement and movement. Bluetooth Speakers: Wireless, which makes them much more portable and convenient. You can move them around without worrying about cables, making them great for outdoor use or for moving between rooms.

3. Portability: Wired Speakers: Typically less portable because of the need to plug them in and be near an audio source. Bluetooth Speakers: Highly portable, lightweight, and designed to be taken anywhere. Some even come with waterproof features for outdoor use.

4. Battery Life: Wired Speakers: They don’t require batteries since they’re powered by the device they’re connected to, which means you don’t have to worry about charging them. Bluetooth Speakers: Battery-powered, so you’ll need to recharge them regularly, which might be a drawback for long listening sessions or when you’re on the go.

5. Compatibility: Wired Speakers: You’ll need a device that has the appropriate audio-out port (like a headphone jack or RCA input). Compatibility might be limited if the device you’re using doesn’t have the right port. Bluetooth Speakers: Bluetooth connectivity is common in most modern devices, so they tend to work with a wide range of smartphones, tablets, and laptops without needing any cables.

6. Cost: Wired Speakers: Typically cheaper, as they don’t need wireless technology, batteries, or other advanced features. Bluetooth Speakers: Generally more expensive due to the wireless technology, built-in batteries, and additional features like portability and integration with smart assistants.

7. Durability: Wired Speakers: Can be more durable since they don’t rely on batteries or Bluetooth components, but the cables can wear out over time. Bluetooth Speakers: While many are designed to be durable, especially outdoor models, battery life and wireless components can wear out, and dropping or water damage could be an issue if they’re not built for rough environments.

In Summary: Go for wired if you prioritize superior sound quality, reliability, and don’t mind being tethered to your audio source. Go for Bluetooth if you need portability, flexibility, and want a wireless experience with the convenience of taking your speaker anywhere.

What kind of listening experience are you hoping for—portable and flexible, or more of a stationary, high-quality setup?