From its humble beginnings in a small Maryland suburb to a regional powerhouse with over 100 locations, Jerry’s Subs & Pizza built a loyal following on the strength of its “over-stuffed” subs and quality offerings. However, like many long-standing chains, Jerry’s has faced a challenging modern landscape, leading to just three operating restaurants in 2025.
Jerry’s Subs & Pizza first opened its doors in 1954 in Wheaton, Maryland, named after the original owner’s son. It quickly distinguished itself by serving generously filled subs crafted with quality ingredients, establishing a reputation that drew in customers from across the Washington DC metro area.
The pivotal moment for Jerry’s expansion came in 1979 when a new ownership team, led by Dave Terzian, launched a national franchising operation. This initiative propelled Jerry’s into rapid growth throughout the 1980s and 90s. By 1990, the chain boasted over 60 locations, stretching along the East Coast and even reaching the Caribbean and Central America. At its peak, Jerry’s Subs & Pizza expanded to over 100 locations. Long before the term was commonly used, Jerry’s was effectively operating as a “fast casual” concept, offering higher-quality food in a more inviting environment than typical fast-food establishments.
During its peak, Jerry’s was a beloved fixture, especially in its home market here in the DMV. Its recognition was widespread, earning accolades such as being named “Maryland’s most noteworthy restaurant chain” by
Thrillist
in 2013. It consistently appeared in Pizza Today Magazine’s Top 100 Pizza Companies from 2015 to 2018, and the Washington Business Journal honored it as the “Largest Locally Owned Restaurant Chain” and “Top Restaurant Chain” between 2013 and 2015.
The early 2000s marked a turning point for Jerry’s. An amicable split among the original four partners around 2009 led to a single partner continuing management. However, in the mid-2010s, the franchisor company was sold to a new group of investors and in recent years, Jerry’s Subs & Pizza has experienced a significant decline in its footprint, with numerous locations closing their doors.
A
notable closure
was its last remaining outpost in Montgomery County, Maryland, located in downtown Silver Spring, which ceased operations in January 2025 due to a lease renewal dispute. Other former Jerry’s locations in the region have either shut down or rebranded, such as the Burtonsville spot becoming Jeffrey’s Subs & Pizza, which also recently
closed permanently
– leaving no links to Jerry’s in the county.
While its widespread presence has diminished considerably, Jerry’s Subs & Pizza is not entirely gone. As of mid 2025, a handful of locations continue to operate in Maryland, including in Dunkirk, Solomons Island, and within the Maryland House travel plaza on I-95 serving as a reminder of a beloved regional chain that, while having receded from its peak, still holds a place in the memories of many.
