Established
1976
Franchise Units
175
Minimum Investment
$350,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop is one of America’s most recognized fast-casual sandwich brands, built on a passion for crafting award-winning, fresh, and flavorful sandwiches. Known for its legendary subs like “The Bobbie®” (often called the Thanksgiving sandwich), Capriotti’s has carved a powerful niche in the highly competitive sandwich and sub-shop market. With a reputation for premium-quality ingredients, house-roasted turkey, and made-to-order sandwiches, Capriotti’s continues to expand across the USA, offering aspiring entrepreneurs a proven and profitable franchise opportunity.
Positioned as a leader in the $25+ billion sandwich and sub-shop industry, Capriotti’s blends a strong heritage with modern franchise support systems. Whether located in urban centers, college towns, or suburban communities, this franchise resonates with customers seeking a high-quality alternative to standard deli chains. Capriotti’s franchise model combines a trusted brand name, loyal customer base, and scalable business system that appeals to both first-time investors and seasoned entrepreneurs.
Why Invest in Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop Franchise?
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Award-Winning Concept: Recognized nationally for signature sandwiches like The Bobbie®, Capriotti’s stands out in a crowded market.
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Growing Industry Demand: Sandwiches remain one of the top-selling categories in the fast-casual sector.
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Proven Business Model: Over four decades of operational excellence and consistent franchise growth.
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Brand Recognition: A household name in many regions with a strong social media and marketing presence.
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Ongoing Innovation: Menu development, technology integration, and delivery partnerships keep the brand competitive.
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Franchisee Support: Comprehensive training, operations guidance, and national/local marketing programs.
Background
Established Year: 1976
Founders: Lois and Alan Margolet, founded in Wilmington, Delaware.
Company Journey: Capriotti’s began as a small sandwich shop in Delaware with a focus on slow-roasted turkey sandwiches. Over the decades, it expanded across multiple states, gaining a reputation for quality, freshness, and customer loyalty.
Ownership: Currently led by David Bloom (Chief Development & Operating Officer) and Ashley Morris (CEO), under Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, Inc.
Franchise Units (2025): Over 175+ locations across the USA, with additional units in development.
Market Presence: Strong presence in states like Nevada, California, Texas, Delaware, and expanding nationwide.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining | Sandwich & Sub Shop Franchise.
Support Training
Capriotti’s ensures every franchisee is equipped with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed for long-term success:
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Pre-Launch Support:
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Site selection assistance and demographic analysis.
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Lease negotiation guidance and store design consultation.
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Access to pre-opening marketing campaigns and launch plans.
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Operational Training:
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In-depth training at Capriotti’s corporate headquarters and in-store.
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Standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering food preparation, inventory, staffing, and service.
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Technology support including POS systems, delivery integrations, and loyalty programs.
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Marketing & Brand Support:
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National advertising campaigns and social media promotions.
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Local marketing toolkit for grand opening and regional promotions.
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PR assistance and seasonal campaign planning.
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Ongoing Support:
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Continuous field support from corporate business coaches.
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Regular franchise meetings, webinars, and performance reviews.
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Innovation updates for menu additions, packaging, and customer engagement tools.
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Ideal Candidate
Capriotti’s looks for entrepreneurs who share the brand’s passion for quality food and outstanding guest experiences. The ideal franchisee profile includes:
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Business Background: Prior experience in foodservice, retail, or management is helpful but not mandatory.
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Investment Capability: Ability to meet the financial requirements, including liquidity and net worth qualifications.
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Passion for Hospitality: Commitment to delivering great customer experiences and building a loyal community following.
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Hands-On Leadership: Strong interest in day-to-day operations or ability to hire and manage a dedicated team.
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Location Preference: High-traffic urban centers, college towns, shopping plazas, and suburban neighborhoods with strong demographics.
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Growth-Oriented Mindset: Investors seeking single-unit or multi-unit expansion opportunities.
Financial Detail
| Financial Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Required | $197,000 – $350,000 |
| Total Investment Range | $197,000 – $500,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% national + local marketing spend |
| Infrastructure & Build-Out | $80,000 – $180,000 |
| Initial Marketing Budget | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Expected ROI | 2 – 3 years (depending on location & operations) |
| Break-Even Point | 12 – 18 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Dine-in sales, takeout, catering, delivery apps, loyalty program-driven sales |
| Franchise Units (2025) | 175+ and growing |