Jimmy John’s, the American sandwich chain known for its freshly baked bread, premium ingredients, and famously fast service, will open the doors to its first Winnipeg location on September 19. The store is located at 1740 Pembina Highway, a busy south Winnipeg corridor.
The opening represents a milestone in the brand’s Canadian expansion plan under master franchisor Foodtastic. The Québec-based franchisor, which operates more than 1,200 restaurants across multiple brands, has ambitious plans to open up to 200 Jimmy John’s locations in Canada over the next decade, with three Winnipeg stores expected by the end of 2025.
“Jimmy John’s is a real gem in our restaurant roster,” says Peter Mammas, President and CEO of Foodtastic and the driving force behind Jimmy John’s entry into Canada. “We’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – we bring the bread, the flavours and the value offering, you bring the appetite. As we expand to new cities and communities, you have my assurance we’ll be working non-stop to keep the integrity of this winning formula.”
Mammas has emphasized that each new store opening is about more than simply adding units. It represents a deliberate push to create local jobs, introduce a new fast-casual option to Canadian diners, and adapt Jimmy John’s to Canadian tastes where appropriate. One notable example of this adaptation is the introduction of toasted sandwiches, a feature unique to Canadian locations and a nod to local preferences.
A Menu Built on Freshness
Jimmy John’s is renowned for its straightforward menu, which focuses on high-quality ingredients and a simple promise: “freaky fresh” sandwiches served quickly. Winnipeg diners will be able to enjoy popular choices like the Beach Club, Club Lulu, and Italian Night Club, alongside classics such as The Pepe, J.J.B.L.T., and Turkey Tom.
The brand is equally well known for its bread, baked fresh throughout the day, and for its practice of slicing vegetables in-house daily. For guests seeking a lighter option, sandwiches can be ordered as an “Unwich,” a lettuce wrap alternative that eliminates bread altogether. Jimmy Chips, kettle-cooked potato chips that have developed a loyal following in the United States, are also available in Canada.
The new Pembina Highway location includes a drive-thru window, catering to customers seeking quick service without leaving their vehicles. This drive-thru feature is part of Jimmy John’s strategy to meet Canadian consumer expectations for convenience while still focusing on quality.
Winnipeg will not be a single-market experiment for the chain. Two more locations are scheduled to open this fall: one at 1430 Ellice Avenue and another at 360 Broadway in the city’s downtown core. The clustering of three locations signals confidence in the Winnipeg market and aims to create brand visibility and operational efficiency.
Canadian Market Rollout
Jimmy John’s Canadian journey began in November 2024 with the opening of its first location at 197 North Queen Street in Toronto, near CF Sherway Gardens. The launch was followed by the opening of a store at Niagara Falls’ Fallsview Casino in August 2025, where local promotions and grand-opening events attracted significant attention.
Foodtastic plans to expand beyond Ontario and Manitoba with locations in Ottawa, Edmonton, Barrie, and Windsor over the next year. The company’s strategy is to grow rapidly but sustainably, selecting locations that combine strong demographics, traffic counts, and access to drive-thru infrastructure.
Brand History and Global Context
Founded in 1983 by Jimmy John Liautaud in Charleston, Illinois, Jimmy John’s started with just four sandwiches and an emphasis on delivery at a time when few competitors offered the service. By the mid-1980s, Liautaud had purchased his father’s stake in the business and began expanding across Illinois.
Franchising began in 1994, setting the stage for rapid growth. By 2002, Jimmy John’s had more than 200 locations, and today, the chain boasts over 2,700 restaurants across the United States, with more than 98 percent operated by franchisees. The “freaky fast” delivery model became a cornerstone of the brand, building a loyal following among consumers seeking quality and speed.
In 2019, Jimmy John’s was acquired by Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s, Dunkin’, and Sonic, giving the sandwich chain additional resources and national synergies to support international expansion.
