Ascending to New Heights: A Stellar Launch for Ascential’s First Jersey Mike’s

The countdown is over, folks!

On Wednesday, December 4th, Ascential marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its first Jersey Mike’s store in Houston! This moment was not just about opening doors—it was about opening hearts to the community through an unforgettable launch event that combined grassroots marketing, charity partnerships, and exceptional teamwork.

Grassroots Marketing: Building Community Connections

In the days leading up to the opening, the team engaged in grassroots marketing where team members distributed 5,000 donation cards to local businesses within a one-mile radius of the store. These cards offered a special deal; to donate a minimum of $3 to receive a regular sub, with all proceeds going to our charity partner, Special Olympics Texas.

The team visited local hubs like H-E-B (800 employees), Costco (250 employees), and Macy’s (400 employees), among others. This face-to-face engagement introduced our new store to nearby workers, many of whom were unaware of the new location! The effort not only built anticipation but also established relationships with the community.

A Day to Remember: Grand Opening Highlights

The doors officially opened at 10am, with the Special Olympics Texas team setting up a table at 11am. Representatives handed out branded items like koozies and frisbees while spreading the word about Jersey Mike’s commitment to charitable partnerships.

We experienced a busy but very smooth lunch rush, a testament to the team's preparation. Regional and corporate support played a crucial role with this, with members of Jersey Mike’s corporate team and experienced franchisees on-site to ensure everything went seamlessly.

Led by Laila and Hiren of the Ascential leadership team, the launch set a new standard for franchise openings. With 17-20 new hires and a dedicated core team of five, the restaurant operated with precision and professionalism. Corporate representatives even noted this as one of the smoothest openings they had ever seen for a first-time franchisee!

The Ascential Difference

The store’s early success is a reflection of the dedication and support from both the Ascential team and the broader Jersey Mike’s network. Customers have already expressed enthusiasm, with some saying they’ve been waiting eagerly for the opening, while others stumbled upon it by chance. Regardless of how they arrived, one thing is clear: they’re leaving impressed.

For a team that just opened its first store, the level of organization and customer service is setting the bar high. Ascential’s first Jersey Mike’s has not only delivered great subs but has also created a welcoming, well-run environment that’s already making a positive impact in the community.

Congratulations to the Ascential team for an incredible lift-off! This successful launch sets the stage for many more milestones on our mission to ascend to new heights.