Minority-owned small business of the year

The U.S. Small Business Administration has named Manuel Perez of JMLM Restaurants as SBA’s Minnesota Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year. “Manuel Perez has demonstrated perseverance, determination, and a dedication to giving back to his community,” said Brian McDonald, SBA’s Minnesota District Director. “Business owners like Manuel Perez bring a wealth of diverse ideas and experiences to the marketplace, and we are celebrating JMLM restaurants for their resiliency, and commitment to consistent, quality service.”
Born and raised in Northeast Iowa, Manuel “Manny” Perez worked at a local restaurant waiting tables after school. After moving to Minnesota, he continued to work in the restaurant industry as a dishwasher, cook, and eventually transitioned to a role as kitchen manager. Through great mentorship, Manny learned about restaurant operations, interpreting financials, and human resource management. Ready to be self-employed, in 1995, Manny purchased a pizza place in Prior Lake, Minn, along with a second location in Jordan, Minn. After selling both, he purchased his first Subway franchise in 1997 on East Lake Street in Minneapolis.
Manny would eventually grow his ownership to 12 Subway locations throughout the Twin Cities and Southeast Minnesota. He has since sold several locations, and currently owns and operates four Subways located in Faribault, Prior Lake, the Minneapolis Airport, and the Cincinnati Airport.
Manny has received several SBA-backed loans throughout the years and benefitted from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which provided support for restaurants experiencing revenue loss related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manny is willing to contribute to the betterment of his employees and his community by giving his time, expertise, and financial resources. He regularly donates to a number of schools, churches, and non-profits, and has been known to help his store staff when in need. He has also donated food items for the last six years to the Make a Wish Foundation silent auction. Manny stated, “I’m a firm believer in giving back to as many communities as I can. I have been blessed and need to help the world be a better place where I can.”