Jersey Mike's: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

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Jersey Mike's: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Jersey Mike's is one of the fastest-growing submarine sandwich chains in the United States, with more than 3,500 locations nationwide and tens of thousands of employees across its franchise network. As the company continues to expand, many job seekers want to know what to expect from the Jersey Mike's hiring process - including whether a background check is part of the application. This guide covers Jersey Mike's company history and answers the most common questions about background checks for prospective employees.

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Jersey Mike's: Company overview

Jersey Mike's Subs was founded in 1956 as Mike's Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. In 1975, a 17-year-old named Peter Cancro purchased the original shop, beginning a decades-long journey to build one of the most recognized sub chains in the country. The company began franchising in 1987 and has since grown to over 3,500 locations across the United States.

Headquartered in Manasquan, New Jersey, Jersey Mike's operates as a private company. Founder Peter Cancro remains involved in the business following Blackstone's acquisition of a majority interest in the chain in late 2024. The brand is known for its "A Sub Above" slogan and its emphasis on fresh-sliced meats and cheeses prepared in front of customers. Jersey Mike's has consistently ranked among the top-growing quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains in the country.

The franchise model means that individual locations are owned and operated by independent franchisees. While Jersey Mike's corporate sets brand standards and general guidelines, specific employment policies - including background check practices - may vary by franchisee and location. Prospective employees are encouraged to ask the specific location they are applying to about its screening procedures.

Company culture and employee programs: Jersey Mike's promotes community involvement and has a well-known annual Day of Giving, during which participating locations donate 100% of sales to a local charity. Employee-facing benefits and programs vary by franchise location, but commonly available offerings include:

Flexible scheduling options suitable for students and part-time workers
On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities within the franchise system
Competitive hourly wages at most locations
Employee meal discounts during shifts
Opportunities to advance into shift leader, assistant manager, and general manager roles

Jersey Mike's background check FAQs

Does Jersey Mike's do background checks?

Yes, Jersey Mike's does conduct background checks on prospective employees. Because Jersey Mike's operates as a franchise, the specific background check policy may vary by franchisee and location. Some franchise owners may screen all applicants, while others may reserve screening for management or supervisory candidates. Applicants should expect the possibility of a background check regardless of the role they are applying for.

How long can a Jersey Mike's background check take?

A Jersey Mike's background check typically takes three to five business days to complete. However, the actual turnaround time can vary depending on several factors. For more detail on screening timelines, see background check turnaround times.

Factors that can affect how long a background check takes include:

The number of counties or jurisdictions searched for criminal history records
Delays in receiving responses from courts or government agencies
The need for manual record retrieval at certain courthouse locations
The candidate's history of living or working in multiple states
Discrepancies between information provided by the applicant and official records

What can be revealed in a Jersey Mike's background check?

A background check for Jersey Mike's employment may reveal a range of information depending on the scope of the screening. Common components include:

Identity verification: Confirms the applicant's identity and address history using tools such as an SSN trace, which links a Social Security Number to known names and addresses
Criminal history: Searches county, state, and federal criminal records for felony and misdemeanor convictions
Sex offender registry: Checks the candidate against the national sex offender registry
Global watchlists: Screens against domestic and international sanctions lists and law enforcement databases using a global watchlist search
Employment verification: Confirms prior work history, particularly relevant for candidates applying for management or supervisory positions

How far back can Jersey Mike's background check go?

In most cases, a Jersey Mike's background check will look back seven years for criminal history. This is a common industry standard and reflects the guidelines established under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Some states have additional restrictions that limit how far back an employer can search or whether certain records can be considered in hiring decisions. Employers must also comply with applicable "ban-the-box" laws, which in some jurisdictions restrict when and how criminal history can be considered during the hiring process.

What is the FCRA and how does it protect candidates?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and use background check information. It establishes rights for job applicants and requirements for employers who use background checks in hiring decisions.

Key FCRA protections for candidates include:

Employers must obtain written consent before running a background check
Candidates must be notified if a background check report will be used to make an adverse employment decision
Candidates have the right to review the report and dispute any inaccurate information
Employers must follow a pre-adverse and adverse action process before declining to hire based on background check findings
Candidates have the right to know the name and contact information of the consumer reporting agency that provided the report

What is the Jersey Mike's hiring process?

The Jersey Mike's hiring process generally follows these steps, though the exact sequence may vary by franchisee and location:

Application: Submit an online or in-person application through the Jersey Mike's careers page or directly at the location
Phone or in-person screen: A hiring manager may conduct an initial screening call or brief conversation to assess basic qualifications and availability
Interview: One or more in-person interviews with the store manager or assistant manager
Consent form: If selected as a finalist, the candidate provides written consent to a background check as required by the FCRA
Background check: The employer initiates the background screening process through a consumer reporting agency
Drug test if applicable: Some locations or roles may require a drug screening, depending on franchisee policy and local regulations
Orientation: Once all checks are completed and the offer is confirmed, the new hire completes onboarding and training

As a franchise network, individual locations may modify this process. Some may conduct interviews and extend conditional offers before initiating a background check, while others may require screening earlier in the process.

What are Jersey Mike's background check requirements?

While specific requirements may vary by franchisee, background check requirements at Jersey Mike's locations generally include:

Written consent: Applicants must provide written authorization before a background check can be initiated, as required by the FCRA
Accurate application information: Candidates are expected to provide truthful information on their application, as discrepancies may be identified during the screening process
State-specific compliance: Franchise locations must comply with applicable state and local laws governing background checks, including ban-the-box ordinances and restrictions on the use of certain records
Role-specific screenings: Management candidates may be subject to additional screening components, such as employment verification or more detailed criminal history searches

What is the minimum hiring age at Jersey Mike's?

Jersey Mike's typically hires crew members starting at age 16. Candidates applying for management or supervisory roles are generally required to be at least 18 years old. Minimum age requirements may vary by location, as individual franchisees are subject to state and local labor laws that may set different standards for minors. Some states restrict the hours or tasks that workers under 18 can perform, which may affect scheduling and role assignments for younger employees.

Order your own background check

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows candidates to preview the information a potential employer such as Jersey Mike's may see during the screening process. A personal background check can help applicants identify any inaccurate records and address them before they affect a hiring decision.

A Checkr personal background check typically includes:

SSN trace and identity verification
County and federal criminal record searches
Sex offender registry check
Global watchlist screening
Employment history verification

Get started at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To build a shareable record of verified credentials, create a free Checkr Profile.

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Candidates with an active background check in progress can track the status of their report and access support resources through the Candidate Portal or the Checkr Help Center.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.