Which factor is critical in determining the financial health of a Jersey Mike's location?

The critical factor in determining the financial health of a Jersey Mike's location is the monthly reports on financial aspects like sales and costs. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the store's financial performance, allowing management to assess profitability, monitor trends, and make informed decisions regarding resource allocation, staffing, and inventory management.

Sales figures reveal how well the location is performing in terms of revenue generation, while cost reports provide insight into expenses for labor, ingredients, and other operational costs. By analyzing these financial metrics, Jersey Mike's management can identify areas for improvement, develop strategies to enhance sales, and control costs effectively, ultimately sustaining the location's viability and growth in a competitive market.

While factors like employee satisfaction, customer traffic, and advertising expenses are important for overall business strategy, they do not directly provide the same level of immediate insight into the financial health as detailed monthly financial reports.