For Joe Haberkorn, franchising is a family tradition. On March 4, he celebrated the grand opening of his first Jersey Mike’s Subs in Portage.

Haberkorn learned from his father, who owned Popeyes restaurants for 40 years. The son started working in those restaurants when he was 14.

Jersey Mike's is known for its freshly sliced and grilled subway sandwiches — the very reason Haberkorn chose the franchise.

“Jersey Mike’s has the best quality ingredients that I have ever seen in the quick service space, and their culture of giving means we try to do some good while we sell our sandwiches,” he said.

The celebration also was a fundraiser for Portage High School. In 2025, Jersey Mike's locations raised more than $1 million for its community partners.

Jersey Mike's was No. 1 in America's Favorite Fast Casual Chain ranking, published by Nation’s Restaurant News in partnership with Technomic.

As for Portage, Haberkorn said the location is perfect for his first Jersey Mike's restaurant.

“Portage is an awesome town for business and has been incredible to work with,” said Haberkorn who is from Palos Heights, Illinois. “They needed a Jersey Mike’s!”

The Portage location at 5976 US Highway 6 will offer delivery through the company app. It employs almost 20 people.

Jersey Mike’s also is looking for new employees who are passionate about customer service. Learn more here.

Jersey Mike's was founded in 1956 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. It now has 3,200 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada.