RCIE Spotlight Speaker Series: Hoyt Jones

Over 120 Rowan students gathered to hear from Hoyt Jones, President of Jersey Mike’s, at the RCIE Spotlight Speaker Series. Jones spoke about his journey to becoming President of the #1 fastest growing sandwich chain in the country and some lessons he learned along the way.

Hoyt, a South Jersey native, received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Ursinus College and his Master’s Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Purdue University. He began working behind the counter at Domino’s and quickly moved up the ranks as a Domino’s Pizza franchiesee and then as Executive Vice President of Domestic Franchise Operations where he oversaw the company’s 1,300 franchisees operating nearly 4,000 Domino’s stores in the United States.

Jones joined Jersey Mike’s in late 2007. Under his leadership, the company has revitalized its franchises, installed POS systems in every store, rolled out a new online ordering platform, and more than quadrupled the number of restaurants open in the U.S. Jersey Mikes will also begin a $125 million re-image program over the next few years which will renovate every franchise across the country.

“We’re not just sub sandwiches, we’re not just an assembly line, we have a culture. We are deeply involved with the community.”

Besides their famous subs, Jersey Mike’s is also known for giving back to their community and has donated over $30 million since 2011. Jones spoke about their “Sub Abovers” grant program which gives a $5,000 grant to someone who goes above and beyond to make a difference in their community. Jones also talked about Jersey Mike’s “Month of Giving” in March, where customers are invited to select and donate to a local charity partner. The campaign culminates in a nationwide event, Jersey Mike’s Day of Giving, when 100% of the day’s sales are donated to the local partner charity. Hoyt noted, “We’re not just sub sandwiches, we’re not just an assembly line, we have a culture. We are deeply involved with the community.”

In his more than 30 years in the quick serve restaurant industry, Jones did have some advice that he learned along the way to share. He said to set goals, know your employee’s goals, admit when you are wrong, be consistent, hire people that are smarter than you, and be fair, firm, and friendly.

A networking reception with catered Jersey Mike’s subs immediately followed and Jones had a chance to speak one on one with Rowan students. He was also kind enough to gift a $15 Jersey Mike’s gift card to every attendee.

Special shout out to Dr. Michael Dominik for connecting the RCIE to Hoyt!