OUR DISTINGUISHED HONOREE
Peter Cancro
Peter Cancro is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, operating more than 530 restaurants in 30 states from New Jersey to California.
Peter, a ’75 graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School where he was captain of the football team and class President, began his business career in 1971 where his first job was at a place called Mike’s Subs. In 1975, at the age of 17, in March of his senior year in high school, he gave up a potential college football career to buy that sub shop. Peter credits Rod Smith, his football coach and area banker, with making it all possible.
In 1987, he changed the name of the original Mike’s to “Jersey Mike’s” and began his national expansion. Today, Peter eyes the goal of 1,000 units within the next 5 years, expanding nationally and internationally, a lesson in entrepreneurship.
One of his secrets to success is Peter’s philosophy of “giving” to the community in which he lives and works. Charities, hospitals, school systems and numerous individuals have benefited from his support, more than ever will be known.
In 2011, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country raised more than $2 million for worthy local charities and distributed more than 200,000 free sub sandwiches to help causes from coast to coast.
Past honorees of the Winter Glow Ball have been:
2000- Marjorie Tedesco
2001- Peter & Judy Dawkins
2002- John F. Croddick
2003- Lou Giordano
2004- Vincent Puma
2005- Stacey Cooper
2006- Celebrating Our History
2007- Jack Privetera; Junior Honoree: Mara Bey; Recognizing Roxanne Oka
2008- Janice Colondrillo
2009- Timothy J. Hogan, Steven G. Littleson & W. Peter Daniels
2010- Steven Bidgood
2011-Eric Hinds
