All About Jimmy John’s In 2024
Founded in 1983, Jimmy John's has been around for over 4 decades now and is one of the most popular sandwich chains in the United States. With over 2,700 locations across the country, it has become a go-to choice for fresh sandwiches.
The brand is known for its quick service and simple menu, and Jimmy John’s stands out for its commitment to high-quality ingredients and speedy delivery (which has also gotten them into lawsuits!).
Let's rediscover the fast food chain in 2024 through this post. Well, let you know how a boy who just graduated from high school back in the 1980s started a business and expanded it to what we today know as the best sandwich place in the USA!
Jimmy John History Timeline
1982: Jimmy John Liautaud graduates second to last in his class at Elgin Academy. His father offers him two options: join the Army or start a business. Liautaud chooses to start a business, and his father loans him $25,000 for a 48% stake in the company.
Image Source: Jimmy John's
1983: On January 13, Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches opens in Charleston, Illinois. Liautaud initially considers opening a hot dog stand but decides to open a sandwich shop instead, using his budget to buy premium meats and bake his own bread. Due to the poor location, he started offering delivery to nearby university dorms, which boosted sales.
1985: After the first year of business, Jimmy John's becomes profitable. Liautaud buys out his father's 48% stake, becoming the sole owner.
1994: The company begins franchising, with the first Jimmy John's franchise opening in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. By this time, Liautaud has 10 corporate stores.
2001: The 100th Jimmy John's store opens in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
2007: The 500th store opens in Seattle, Washington.
2010: The 1,000th Jimmy John's store opens in Beaverton, Oregon.
2019: On September 25, Inspire Brands (affiliated with Roark Capital Group) announced it would acquire Jimmy John's. Liautaud steps down as chairman and becomes an advisor to the brand.
2020: The acquisition deal is completed for an undisclosed amount, marking a new chapter in Jimmy John's history.
2024: Jimmy John's has stores in 2,600 locations across 45 states in the US. Jimmy John's has also announced a global expansion plan by signing international franchise agreements in Canada and Latin America. Read all about it on their website.
Jimmy John's Franchise Opportunities
With low start-up costs, great benefits, and easy-to-meet requirements, owning a Jimmy John's franchise could be a fantastic opportunity. Franchisees receive strong support from experienced professionals who guide them in setting up their stores.
The initial franchise fee is $35,000, with ongoing royalties set at just 6% of gross sales, which is one of the lowest rates in the industry. Jimmy John's has franchise opportunities available across the U.S. and Canada.
Franchisees also get exclusive discounts on products like food supplies and marketing materials, as well as expert-designed training programs to help them succeed. Additionally, franchise owners benefit from 24/7 customer service support, tech assistance, online ordering systems, and more.
Jimmy John's Catering Services
Jimmy John's makes it easy to serve delicious sandwiches to a large gathering with their catering services. They offer customizable Group Orders for large or small events, including weddings, team lunches, and more. Jimmy John's also partners with local restaurants in select areas, giving you the same great sandwiches along with unique side options.
Jimmy John's Rewards Program
Get rewarded for your loyalty with the Jimmy John's Rewards Program! Members earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on menu items like subs, chips, and drinks.
As a member, you’ll also get exclusive access to special promotions and be the first to know about new menu items. Plus, you can earn bonus points by completing surveys or referring friends. You can easily track your points balance through the app or website, so you’ll always know how close you are to unlocking exciting rewards like free food or discount coupons!
Jimmy John’s Customer Service
Jimmy John’s makes it simple to get help with finding a store, checking on an online order, or even giving feedback or filing a complaint. They provide a range of contact options to ensure you can reach them quickly and easily.
You can contact Jimmy John’s Customer Service team at 866.276.6302 Monday-Thursday 7:30 am to 5 pm CST, Friday 7:30 pm to 5 pm CST, and Saturday 8 am to noon CST.
A Note on Jimmy John’s Menu
Jimmy John’s specializes in gourmet sandwiches inspired by Chicago street food, offering a simple yet customizable menu. While their selection of sides and drinks is small, they focus on delivering high-quality, made-to-order sandwiches. Customers can also enjoy catering services, making it easy to bring these delicious sandwiches to events.
The menu features several bread options like French, thick-sliced wheat, and the six-inch “Lil’ John,” along with a lettuce wrap option (Unwich) and a tortilla wrap for a lighter choice. You can choose from 17 signature sandwiches, including classics like the J.J.B.L.T. or the Gargantuan, which includes all the meats except bacon and tuna.
Though the menu may look basic at first glance, it’s designed to be fully customizable to suit your taste or dietary preferences. You can easily adjust your sandwich with a range of ingredients and even check nutritional info and allergen details online when planning your meal.
In addition to the sandwiches, Jimmy John’s offers five types of chips (regular, BBQ, jalapeno, salt and vinegar, and Thinny, a low-fat version), kosher dill pickles, brownies, and two cookie optionstriple chunk chocolate and oatmeal raisin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jimmy John’s
- Does Jimmy John’s offer gluten-free options?
Yes, Jimmy John’s provides gluten-free sandwiches, wraps, and salads. They ensure their ingredients are 100% gluten-free, and delivery services come with no extra charges. - Are Jimmy John’s sandwiches made with organic ingredients?
No, Jimmy John’s does not use organic ingredients. They source from reliable suppliers and provide nutritional information, but they do not offer organic-certified options. - Is there a customer loyalty program beyond gift cards?
Yes, Jimmy John’s offers the “Freaky Fast Rewards” program, where you can earn rewards on both online and in-store purchases, plus access to discounts, freebies, and exclusive offers.
