Jersey Mike’s, Chili’s, Tropical Smoothie
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May 28, 2026
Jersey Mike’s is apparently getting a new headquarters. A New Jersey real estate company said Wednesday that the sandwich chain has leased more than 70,000-square feet of office space in Tinton Falls, which is about a 20-minute drive north of the current base in Manasquan, New Jersey. Jersey Mike’s, meanwhile, did not immediately respond to questions about details and the timing of the potential move.
Chili’s teamed up with Lizzo on a new Baby Back Ribs jingle. The singer’s rendition pays homage to the 1997 TV commercial that launched the classic earworm. But Lizzo adds her own spin, including a new verse and a bit of “rib flute” from the accomplished flautist. The video spotlights one of Chili’s signature menu items, which recently got an upgrade with larger portions and a crispier exterior crust.
Tropical Smoothie is turning on its marketing engine. The smoothie chain has historically had strong sales growth and high customer satisfaction scores. But it has low brand awareness for a chain with 1,700 locations. CEO Max Wetzel said in an interview that the company has an opportunity to improve brand awareness through more marketing. The company has consolidated its marketing budget and has a new creative agency, all to improve marketing and awareness, which Wetzel believes can fuel further growth as the chain evolves into a national brand.
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About the Authors
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister
Managing Editor
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister is a managing editor for Informa’s Foodservices Vertical, specifically Nation’s Restaurant News, Restaurant Hospitality, and Foodservice Director. Leigh Anne works on all of the brands’ special reports, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ annual Top 500 report and Restaurant Hospitality’s Best Cocktails and Best Sandwiches contests. She also manages the group’s digital engagement team, and was the managing editor for Supermarket News until December 2024.
Leigh Anne lives in New York City, but also claims Phoenix, Dallas and Cleveland as hometowns. Leigh Anne holds a bachelor’s degree in print journalism from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University, where she also studied European history.
Email Leigh Anne at [email protected]
Leigh Anne Zinsmeister’s experience:
Group Managing Editor, Informa’s Foodservices Vertical (Aug. 2021-present)
Group Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (Feb. 2020-Aug. 2021)
Digital Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (April 2018-Feb. 2020)
Digital Content Producer, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (June 2016-April 2018)
Community Moderator, Mail Online (March 2014-June 2016)
Wire Editor, Gannett’s Phoenix Design studio (The Arizona Republic, The Reno Gazette-Journal, The Statesman Journal, The Great Falls Tribune, The Visalia Times-Delta, The Tulare Advance Register, The Salinas Californian, The St. George Spectrum, The Desert Sun, The Coloradoan) (Jan. 2012-March 2014)
Group Managing Editor, Informa’s Foodservices Vertical (Aug. 2021-present)
Group Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (Feb. 2020-Aug. 2021)
Digital Content Manager, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (April 2018-Feb. 2020)
Digital Content Producer, Informa Restaurant and Food Group (June 2016-April 2018)
Community Moderator, Mail Online (March 2014-June 2016)
Wire Editor, Gannett’s Phoenix Design studio (The Arizona Republic, The Reno Gazette-Journal, The Statesman Journal, The Great Falls Tribune, The Visalia Times-Delta, The Tulare Advance Register, The Salinas Californian, The St. George Spectrum, The Desert Sun, The Coloradoan) (Jan. 2012-March 2014)
Lisa Jennings
Executive Editor, Restaurant Business
Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.
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Source: This story originated with Nation's Restaurant News.
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