Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, the iconic San Francisco-based sandwich chain with a cult-like following, solidified a multi-unit franchise deal with NFL star John Miller, guard for the Cincinnati Bengals, and his father Johnnie Green to bring the concept to the East Coast for the first time. The father-son duo is expected to open 10 storefronts throughout Broward County and Miami-Dade County, Florida, over the next seven years. The first location will open doors in Miami by next spring.
A former three-year starter for the Buffalo Bills, Miller recently signed an agreement to play for the Cincinnati Bengals through 2021. While his stellar football career shows no signs of slowing, Miller is a Florida native and family man at heart who knows an outstanding sandwich when he tastes one. After trying Ike’s Love & Sandwiches for the first time, Miller knew he wanted to spread the love by partnering with his father to invest in the Ike’s brand over all other options.
In addition to the brand’s unique, mouthwatering menu items, the concept’s profitability outlook and successful franchise business model are among the factors that inspired Miller and Green to become franchisees. Supported by their strong father-son connection and commitment to bringing positivity to the community, Miller and Green will deliver the Ike’s experience to its East Coast customers and position the concept as the dominant sandwich brand in Florida with the help of leading franchise development company Fransmart.
“My father and I immediately fell in love with Ike’s Love & Sandwiches when we visited its San Francisco location, and saw a golden opportunity to bring it to our home state of Florida,” said John Miller, professional football star and Ike’s Love & Sandwiches franchisee. “Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is different than any other restaurant concept in Florida right now. We’re excited to bring it to the East Coast as we know demanding customers are craving the sandwich selections and will jump all over it once we open the doors.”
Founded by Ike Shehadeh in 2007, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches currently has nearly 70 locations in operation throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas and Hawaii, with additional locations currently in development in Chicago as well as Utah, California and Texas. The brand continues to see explosive growth as it builds its dedicated, loyal following and brings its famous secret menu and pop culture-inspired sandwich selections to customers from coast to coast.
The concept is a sandwich lover’s paradise, offering over 700 deliciously addicting sandwiches — including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options — all spread with “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce,” that’s also baked right into the bread. Beyond the extensive and flavorful menu offerings, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches follows a proven business model with low build-out costs, efficient labor practices and waste-reducing operational standards — positioning the concept for rapid franchise development potential.
“Love, appreciation and respect are at the forefront of everything we do at Ike’s Love & Sandwiches,” said Ike Shehadeh, founder of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches. “The happiness and enjoyment of our customers are the drivers behind Ike’s. I’m excited to work with John and Johnnie to celebrate our Florida customers and their unique tastes as we bring the concept to the East Coast.”
Fueled by the power of Fransmart, the franchise development company behind the explosive growth of brands like Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches will continue to expand nationwide. Franchisees will receive training and support from start to finish, from site selection expertise to custom training systems to localized brand building. The brand is currently seeking experienced franchisees to continue bringing the concept to the top 40 media markets throughout North America.
For more information about franchise opportunities, visit www.Fransmart.com/Ikes-Sandwiches.
About Ike’s Love & Sandwiches:
The goal of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches: celebrate the unique individual that you are! Founder and namesake Ike Shehadeh first shared his love of sandwiches with San Francisco patrons in 2007, and the concept quickly developed a following of cult-like fans and celebrity supporters. Now a sandwich empire, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is especially known for its delicious offerings on Dutch Crunch bread with “Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce,” which is spread on every sandwich and baked right into the bread. Ike often collaborates with famous athletes to design a new sandwich creation; try a Madison Bumgarner, Andre S.O.G. Ward or a Marshawn Lynch. With over 700 innovative and indulgent sandwich combinations, including meat, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, there is something for everyone to love. And, each new location opens with its own exclusive sandwich that is imaginatively named in honor of the community. Ike’s Love & Sandwiches is expanding rapidly with 70+ locations throughout five states and additional locations under development. The secret to Ike’s Love & Sandwiches success? They always prioritize the customer’s happiness first. For more information about Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, visit www.loveandsandwiches.com.
About Fransmart:
As the leading franchise development firm in the country, Fransmart turns emerging restaurant concepts into successful national and global brands. Founded by Dan Rowe, the man who identified and grew brands such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries and Qdoba Mexican Grill from single unit businesses to the powerhouse chains they are today, Fransmart’s formula for success is finding emerging brands ripe for expansion and building successful multi-unit franchise businesses across the U.S. and globally. Fransmart’s current and past franchise development portfolio brands have opened more than 5,000 restaurants worldwide, and facilitated franchise investments that have cumulatively generated 1-billion in revenues to date. For more information, visit www.fransmart.com.
