Jersey Mike’s IPO illustrates how bad the AI hype has become

TechCrunch AI reports that Jersey Mike's, a submarine sandwich chain, included mentions of artificial intelligence in its IPO filing—despite running a straightforward food service business. This illustrates how pervasive AI hype has become, with companies feeling compelled to weave AI into their narratives even when it's tangential or irrelevant. The filing reportedly references AI in vague terms, likely to signal modernity to investors. For builders developing AI workflows, this serves as a cautionary tale: not every mention of AI indicates genuine integration or value. The pressure to appear AI-forward can lead to superficial claims that distract from actual problems and solutions. Developers and solopreneurs should critically assess whether AI adds tangible utility or is just a marketing ploy. In an era of inflated expectations, the practical angle is to focus on measurable outcomes rather than buzzwords.