People Are Accusing Jersey Mike’s of Making Smaller Sandwiches—and They Might Be Right 

You can’t stay on top forever, guys. That’s what Jersey Mike’s fans are starting to learn. The sandwich shop had emerged in the last couple of years as the spiritual successor to Subway, (which, let’s be honest, has been on the decline for a while now), and the nation’s new sandwich shop made quick work of its rampant success. We saw jars of its hot pepper relish hitting stores; we saw new Jersey Mike’s subs hitting its restaurants; we saw a chain that was on the rise.

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And now, its fortunes might be shrinking – and its sandwiches are, too. Following Jersey Mike’s’ acquisition, customers are finding that its subs are a little bit smaller, and they’re not happy.

Jersey Mike’s: Not as Filling as It Used to Be

Jersey Mike’s was once (and in some circles, still is) known for its big ol’ sandwiches, but apparently, it needed even bigger profits. Or more security. Or it just wanted to be owned by the big dogs. In any case, in late 2024 it was acquired by Blackstone, an investment management company, with the partnership said to increase Jersey Mike’s’ expansion prospects throughout the US. 

However, everyone knows that when big business comes along and snaps up a successful restaurant concept, changes start to occur – and unfortunately, they seem to have hit customers where it hurts the most, in the good old “value for money” arena. Jersey Mike’s has recently come under a lot of heat for reducing the size of its sandwiches, with proof posted on TikTok and promptly going viral. User @dionckhan uploaded a video of a criminally small sub from Jersey Mike’s, which he said cost him a full $9 (or $10 with a tip). The bread is barely anywhere to be seen; the meat is reduced to a few small shavings; and there isn’t even that much lettuce. Come on. Lettuce isn’t that expensive, guys. 

Looks Like Everyone’s Sandwiches Are Getting Smaller

This example of shrinkflation is pretty egregious, but sadly, it’s a similar situation at sandwich chains across the board. Subway has been plagued with accusations of it making its sandwiches smaller for years, and Quiznos has had to face the same. And it’s not just sub sandwiches that have faced heat from customers, with everywhere from McDonald’s to Chick-Fil-A getting blasted by its patrons for shrinking their patties and buns.

Sadly, this is just one way that restaurants try to beat inflation and keep profits high – but in the case of Jersey Mike’s, it feels especially sad. This place used to be beloved, folks. Looks like Publix’s subs might be the only ones left that are worth getting, and even then, we’re not sure how safe they’ll be.