1993
2
$110,000
$30,000
$250,000
No
Caruso's Sandwich Company is a beloved American café and sandwich franchise renowned for its commitment to quality, community, and culinary excellence. With a rich history dating back to 1993, Caruso's has evolved from a local sandwich shop into a thriving franchise offering a diverse menu that includes sandwiches, artisan pizzas, pasta, salads, and wraps. Each dish is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring freshness and supporting regional farmers and suppliers. The brand's dedication to "keeping it local" resonates with customers who value sustainability and community engagement.
Operating in the Inland Northwest, Caruso's has established a strong presence with multiple locations, each offering a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages repeat business and fosters customer loyalty. The franchise's success is built on a foundation of quality food, exceptional service, and a commitment to creating a positive impact in the communities it serves.
Proven Business Model: Caruso's has a track record of success, with a business model that emphasizes quality, community involvement, and customer satisfaction.
Diverse Menu Offerings: The franchise offers a wide range of menu items, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences, which helps attract a broad customer base.
Community Engagement: Caruso's actively supports local communities through fundraising opportunities and partnerships with local organizations, enhancing brand loyalty and customer trust.
Supportive Franchise System: Franchisees receive comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.
Established Year:
Caruso's Sandwich Company was founded in 1993 by the Zagona family in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Initially a single sandwich shop, it has grown into a recognized local brand offering a variety of sandwiches, artisan pizzas, salads, wraps, and pasta.
Founders & Ownership:
The company was started by the Zagona family, who have a longstanding history in the restaurant and foodservice industry dating back to 1941. The franchise remains privately owned and operated by the family under the Caruso’s Franchise Corporation, ensuring a personal commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Franchise Units & Market Presence:
Caruso's has a small but established presence with approximately 2 operating units. The brand operates primarily in the Inland Northwest and maintains plans for strategic expansion into new markets across the U.S.
Brand Journey & Growth:
Began as a neighborhood sandwich shop in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Expanded menu to include artisan pizzas in 2014, diversifying offerings and attracting broader customer segments.
Focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, aligning with modern consumer trends toward sustainability and healthy dining options.
Built a reputation for community engagement, supporting local events, schools, and charitable initiatives.
Industry Category:
Caruso's Sandwich Company operates in the Fast Casual Dining segment, specializing in sandwiches, artisan pizzas, and fresh, locally sourced meals. It competes in the growing niche of quality-focused, quick-service dining that emphasizes both taste and community connection.
Ownership & Vision:
Caruso’s remains family-owned, with a vision of expanding its brand thoughtfully while maintaining high quality standards and a strong community presence. The company emphasizes the importance of consistent customer experience, operational excellence, and local engagement, which forms the foundation of its franchise model.
Caruso's Sandwich Company offers a comprehensive support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiations, and store design to create an optimal environment for business operations.
Operational Training: In-depth training covering all aspects of restaurant operations, including food preparation, customer service, inventory management, and staff training.
Marketing Support: Guidance on local marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and brand-building activities to drive customer engagement and sales.
Ongoing Support: Continuous support through regular communication, operational audits, and access to a network of experienced franchisees and corporate staff.
Community Engagement: Training on how to effectively engage with local communities through events, partnerships, and fundraising opportunities.
The ideal Caruso's Sandwich Company franchisee is:
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Motivated individuals with a passion for the food industry and a desire to operate their own business.
Community-Oriented: Individuals who value community involvement and are eager to build relationships within their local area.
Business Acumen: Experience in management, operations, or the food service industry is beneficial but not required.
Financial Capability: Ability to invest in the franchise and manage the financial aspects of the business effectively.
Location Preference: Preference for individuals interested in establishing franchises in the Inland Northwest or other regions with a similar market demographic.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $110,000 – $250,000 |
| Initial Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Not publicly specified |
| Advertising / Marketing Fee | Not publicly specified (guidance provided by franchisor) |
| Infrastructure / Build-out Cost | Varies by location and store size |
| Working Capital | Sufficient funds recommended to cover initial operations |
| Expected ROI | Depends on location, market, and management effectiveness |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 12 – 24 months |
| Potential Revenue Streams | In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, community events |
