Jimmy John's CEO Says Long-Awaited Loyalty Program is Coming Soon
*By Lillie Carlson and Chloe Aiello*
Delivery has always been integral to Jimmy John's, first as a means of survival, then as a cornerstone of its business model. But today Jimmy John's is taking its push for customer loyalty one step further with a rewards program.
"We're in the process. Hold on soon, it's coming," Jimmy John's CEO and President James North told Cheddar Thursday.
Jimmy John's sandwich fiends have long hoped for some sort of rewards program ー there's even a Facebook ($FB) group, called Petition for Jimmy Johns Rewards Program, dedicated to the cause. And although North wouldn't go into much detail about the program ー only saying the company hasn't "made the final decision" about whether the program will be points-based, order-based or otherwise ー at least now these sandwich lovers have something to look forward to.
This development comes as many popular chains, like Starbuck ($SBUX) and Chick-fil-A, have rolled out loyalty programs to drive traffic and increase per-visit spending. Jimmy John's has a devoted customer base and a rock-solid operating process, but a loyalty program could be instrumental in driving up revenue.
Jimmy John's has accrued customers through its consistent speed, accuracy, and quality. The restaurant has its in-house delivery service down to a science. "Delivery's been part of our DNA for 36 years. It was part of the model, it was how we grew the business," North said.
In fact, Jimmy John's is so confident in its business model, it's refusing to let third-party delivery services, like Uber Eats or DoorDash, ever deliver its sandwiches. North told Cheddar that Jimmy John's only delivers sandwiches to areas within five minutes of its stores, and it is not willing to compromise on its promise to customers.
"We have the best delivery model on the planet," he said.
North's confidence is notable at a time when other delivery services are stumbling.
Instacart, a grocery delivery app, recently announced that it is reversing its controversial policy of applying its workers' tips toward their wages, following a public outcry. Its rival DoorDash is under fire for a similar tipping policy.
But James North says Jimmy John's strategy is different. "Our franchisees and our stores take care of our delivery drivers. We’ve got a world-class training model, we’re very safe, follow all the local laws, and our delivery drivers not only have an opportunity to deliver our sandwiches but work in-store. There’s a huge opportunity for growth within our organization if you start as a part-time delivery driver."
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/going-against-the-grain-jimmy-johns-ceo-talks-delivery-service).
Orangetheory Fitness is redefining the future of workouts with smarter tech, strength-based programming, and community-driven studios built for what’s next.
Spain's government has fined Airbnb 64 million euros or $75 million for advertising unlicensed tourist rentals. The consumer rights ministry announced the fine on Monday. The ministry stated that many listings lacked proper license numbers or included incorrect information. The move is part of Spain's ongoing efforts to regulate short-term rental companies amid a housing affordability crisis especially in popular urban areas. The ministry ordered Airbnb in May to remove around 65,000 listings for similar violations. The government's consumer rights minister emphasized the impact on families struggling with housing. Airbnb said it plans to challenge the fine in court.
Roomba maker iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, but says that it doesn’t expect any disruptions to devices as the more than 30-year-old company is taken private under a restructuring process. iRobot said that it is being acquired by Picea through a court-supervised process. Picea is the company's primary contract manufacturer. The Bedford, Massachusetts-based anticipates completing the prepackaged chapter 11 process by February.
Serbia’s prosecutor for organized crime has charged a government minister and three others with abuse of position and falsifying of documents related to a luxury real estate project linked to U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The charges came on Monday. The investigation centers on a controversy over a a bombed-out military complex in central Belgrade that was a protected cultural heritage zone but that is facing redevelopment as a luxury compound by a company linked to Kushner. The $500 million proposal to build a high-rise hotel, offices and shops at the site has met fierce opposition from experts at home and abroad. Selakovic and others allegedly illegally lifted the protection status for the site by falsifying documentation.
