After decades of corporate predictability, Tom Tyrrell was ready for a reboot. The meetings, the cubicles, the steady but stifling grind of IT work had lost its sheen.
He and his wife, Christine, often found themselves daydreaming about a different path — one where they could call the shots, shoulder the risk, and reap the reward. Two and a half years ago, they resolved to turn reverie into reality.
By July 2024, their gamble had a name on the door: Jersey Mike’s. Their first shop opened in Fleming Island after months of research and a grueling vetting process with the franchise’s leadership.
For Tom, the choice was natural — he had discovered the sub chain years earlier while living in Atlanta and admired more than just the stuffed sandwiches.
“They checked all the boxes — the food, the values, the future opportunities,” he told The Citizen. “I knew that if we went with a franchise, they would be the one.”
The Tyrrells had moved to Nocatee in 2015 to be closer to family, and opening a shop nearby always figured into the plan. Their second location, slated to open after Thanksgiving if construction stays on schedule, will be just down the road in The Shoppes at Palencia Commons.
With deep roots in the area and relatives close by, the store feels like a home-field investment.
Tom said having multiple locations allows him to develop talented employees and elevate them into more senior positions. Christine added that Jersey Mike’s emphasis on service and dedication to supporting others, sealed their decision.
“It’s rewarding to be part of a brand that’s so committed to giving back,” she said. “Like our Fleming Island location, the Palencia store will also partner with V for Victory. Each month, we’ll provide a family facing cancer with a free meal. Having walked that road with our son, we know firsthand how much that kindness means.” V for Victory was wonderful to us, and it’s an honor to now share that same hope and comfort with other families in their time of need.”
Jersey Mike’s also celebrates its Month of Giving every March, culminating in the Day of Giving on the last Wednesday of the month, when 100% of sales are donated to local charities.
The couple has found the work relentless in the best way — staffing, marketing, payroll, community outreach — but deeply meaningful and rewarding.
“It’s very satisfying to hire people, develop them, and watch them succeed,” Tom said. “In the coming weeks, we’ll begin hiring new team members and are especially looking forward to creating jobs and bringing on people who share our passion for great food and great community.”
Their ambitions won’t stop at Palencia. They hope to expand their Jersey Mike’s mini-empire beyond two stores. Other area franchisees, they said, have happily shared advice and support along the way.
For Tom, life after corporate America has been demanding and unpredictable. But for the first time, the ceiling is his to set.
