Over the past few days, I have shared a series of three articles discussing the ongoing shakeup in the restaurant industry and various ways to position your restaurant for success. As I was contemplating how best to wrap up the series, something clicked while I was picking up lunch yesterday. The realization came not just from my own observations but also from the many questions I have received over the past few days. Many have asked for more recommendations and specific strategies related to their own restaurant operations.

My suggestion is simple yet incredibly effective. If you truly want to understand what it takes to run a restaurant with precision and excellence, invest less than fifteen dollars at Jersey Mike’s, sit down for an hour, enjoy a great lunch, and just observe. Pay close attention to the details. Notice the cleanliness the moment you walk in. Watch the seamless interactions between employees and customers. Observe how every staff member is outfitted in branded shirts and hats, reinforcing a cohesive brand identity. Every element is executed with precision down to the finest detail, as it should be.

The experience starts long before you even step through the door. When I placed my order through the app, I was given a specific wait time. As busy as the restaurant was, the moment I walked in, I was greeted and asked if I had placed an online order. Even as I stood waiting, I was warmly invited to grab a drink on the house. Right on schedule, my order was in my hands exactly when promised.

This level of execution is not random. It is something I have observed at not just one location but at more than forty different Jersey Mike’s restaurants over the years. It is a system, a well-orchestrated machine running like a symphony. Every element of the customer experience, from the ease of ordering to the interaction with employees to the final presentation of the product, is carefully crafted and consistently maintained.

The list goes on. A dedicated area that showcases catering is just inside the door, easy to see on the way in and out. I watched as no less than five customers picked up information. Professionally branded interior signage that reinforces the brand’s identity and core messaging. A spotless drinks area that is always stocked and well-maintained. And of course, the sandwiches, which are consistently spot on every single time. It is not just about the food but the entire experience that keeps customers returning.

The lessons from Jersey Mike’s do not just apply to quick service restaurants. They apply to every level of the restaurant industry, from fast casual and full service dining to high end establishments. Attention to detail, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service are fundamental principles that can elevate any restaurant regardless of its category. A full service restaurant may not have the same speed of service expectations as a quick service location, but the principles of a well trained team, an engaging customer experience, and a clean and inviting environment remain the same.

Yesterday, I wrote about personal branding and the importance of having a recognizable face behind the brand. In the case of Jersey Mike’s, that face is Peter Cancro. If you are in the restaurant industry and you do not know who Peter Cancro is, you might as well be living under a rock. Few chief executive officers and founders are as visible and actively engaged in the success of their brand. He embodies everything a restaurant leader should be, hands on, detail oriented, and committed to ensuring that every customer receives a consistent high quality experience.

The key takeaway is that operational excellence is not about one grand initiative. It is about the small, everyday details executed flawlessly. It is about creating a culture where employees care, customers feel valued, and the brand becomes more than just a name, it becomes a promise.

So the next time you are looking for ways to improve your restaurant, do not just analyze spreadsheets or tweak marketing strategies. Step outside your business and study excellence in action. The best business lessons often come from real world experiences, sometimes in the form of a simple lunch at a well run restaurant.

By the way, it is no surprise that Jersey Mike’s is always extremely busy whereas direct competition appears to be just hanging on. Coincidence? I think not.

Make today a great day. Make it happen. Make it count!

About the Author

With more than 40 years of experience in small business, restaurant, and franchise management, marketing, and development, Paul Segreto is a respected expert in the entrepreneurial world, dedicated to helping others achieve success. Whether you’re an aspiring or current entrepreneur in need of guidance, support, or simply a conversation, you can connect with Paul at paul@acceler8success.com.

About Acceler8Success Group

Acceler8Success Group empowers entrepreneurs and business leaders with personalized coaching, strategic guidance, and a results-driven approach. Whether launching, scaling, or optimizing a business, we provide the tools, mentorship, and resources to drive long-term success.