Sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s Subs is targeting a valuation of up to US$7.94-billion in its initial public offering in the United States, as it sets out to test investor appetite for restaurant listings.
The Tinton Falls, New Jersey-based company and selling stockholders are seeking to raise up to US$1.09 billion by offering 43.5 million shares priced between US$21 and US$25 apiece, Jersey Mike’s regulatory filing showed on Monday.
The U.S. IPO market rebounded in the quarter ended June as companies across multiple sectors pursued New York listings, following a brief slowdown sparked by the U.S.-Iran conflict.
A string of high-profile listings, including SpaceX’s record-breaking US$75-billion IPO, pushed the proceeds in the quarter past US$100-billion.
The sandwich chain’s IPO marks a rare public listing for the U.S. restaurant sector, following Mediterranean chain Cava’s debut three years ago and Black Rock Coffee Bar’s Nasdaq listing last year.
Jersey Mike’s, known for its submarine sandwiches, was helmed by former CEO Peter Cancro, who in 1956 started working at the company’s Point Pleasant, New Jersey location, which was later founded as Mike’s Subs.
Under CEO Cancro, who acquired the original storefront in 1975 and began franchising in 1987, Jersey Mike’s has expanded into a major U.S. fast-casual chain, with more than 3,300 locations across the U.S. and Canada. It is an official partner of the National Football League.
Jersey Mike’s, which was acquired by private equity firm Blackstone last year for around US$8-billion, plans to open 300 stores in the UK and Ireland in partnership with Cancro, according to the regulatory filing.
The buyout firm had plans to expand the sandwich chain both domestically and internationally.
The company has applied to list on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “JMKE.” Morgan Stanley, Jefferies and J.P. Morgan are the joint book-running managers for the offering.