FAQ
Answers to Your Sandwich Franchise Questions
Deciding to open your very own Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop franchise is exciting—but it also leads to many questions. We want to ensure our prospective franchisees have everything they need to succeed—including answers to any lingering questions or concerns. Our team is always here to help you, and our unrivaled training will make sure you are fully prepared to hit the ground running.
Still have questions? We are here to answer them! Give us a call at (702) 745-5848.
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Capriotti's FAQs
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No - restaurant experience is not required. Our processes and systems have been developed for people who have never done anything like this before. At each step through the development process and beyond, you will be guided and supported by experts dedicated to your success. what matters more is business management experience, leadership and team-building skills and the ability to follow a proven system. Our training program is designed to support both experienced operators and first-time owners.
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There are many variables that affect the answer to how many you can make as a Capriotti's owner and we are completely transparent. Earnings vary by location, market conditions, and operational execution. Capriotti’s provides financial performance representations in Item 19 of the FDD. and we will provide you with detailed information on profitability. As you do your due diligence, we encourage you to speak with our sandwich shop franchise partners. Please check out our How Much Can I Make page for more details.
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The total investment to open a Capriotti’s franchise typically ranges from $594,000 to $935,000*, depending on location, buildout, and site conditions. For a full breakdown, refer to Item 7 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
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Industry-leading third-party financing is available through our strategic relationships with a variety of financial institutions.
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Our customers are regular people who relish and love food. They use fast-casual restaurants for both lunches during the work day and dinners for the family, as well as catering gatherings. They are middle-class working adults who enjoy the accessibility of delicious sandwiches and salads made with fresh ingredients prepared in-house.
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Our best-in-class site selection process, on the ground support, and analytical tools will provide you with everything necessary to select your Capriotti’s location. Our team has real-world industry knowledge that will guide you from start to finish.
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We are looking for great franchise partners who align with our values, are passionate about the brand, and love great food. While you can open a single restaurant, as new owners go through the process, many find that a development rights agreement for multiple restaurants allows them to plan for future growth strategically by securing more than one market area.
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A typical Capriotti’s operates with a staff of 12-15 employees.
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Most locations operate from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., but hours vary across the system depending on the market and trade area.
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In 1976, what would become one of the nation’s favorite sandwich shops was born as a family business brought to life by brother and sister Alan and Lois Margolet. Named after their food-loving grandfather, Philip Capriotti, the first Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop was opened in Wilmington, Delaware.
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You'll never feel like you're figuring it out alone. When you join Capriotti's, you become part of a family of operators who've built their businesses on the same systems, the same support, and the same commitment to excellence. Our comprehensive, multi-phase training program is designed to set you up for success from day one — and keep you there long after your grand opening.
Initial training includes:
- Classroom and hands-on in-store training with experienced operators
- Deep dives into operations, systems, and food preparation
- Hiring, staffing, and leadership development to build your winning team
Ongoing support includes:
- Dedicated field support and one-on-one coaching
- Marketing guidance and access to brand campaigns
- Technology systems training and operational tools
You're supported before, during, and long after your doors open. That's not just a promise — it's how our franchisees thrive.
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Absolutely — and many of our franchisees do. Multi-unit ownership is one of the most compelling ways to build a scalable, growing business with Capriotti's, and our systems are designed to expand right alongside you.
- Scalable operational systems and processes built for multi-unit growth
- Ongoing support at every stage of your expansion
- Strategic growth planning to help you identify and secure your next opportunity
Once you experience the model firsthand, growing it just makes sense. Many of our most successful franchisees started with one location and never looked back. Is multi-unit ownership part of your vision? Let's map it out together.
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In a crowded sandwich category, Capriotti's is genuinely different. We're not just another sub shop. We're a brand with a story, a loyal following, and a product people come back for again and again — because what we make and how we make it is the real thing.
- Handcrafted quality — premium proteins, real recipes, made with genuine care. We roast whole Butterball turkeys in-house every single day, and source exceptional ingredients like Snake River Farms American Wagyu. No shortcuts, no compromises.
- Fierce customer loyalty — our fans don't just like us, they champion us. That kind of connection can't be manufactured.
- Proven operational systems — infrastructure built specifically to support franchisee success at every scale
- A brand on the rise — growing national presence, real expansion momentum, and a category that continues to grow
In a crowded category, Capriotti's stands out. And so do our franchisees. With a growing national footprint and strong brand momentum, now is a great time to explore what ownership looks like.
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Your success depends on your community knowing you exist — and Capriotti's takes that responsibility seriously. We bring the same passion to marketing your location that you bring to running it. Our comprehensive, localized, data-driven marketing support is designed to build genuine awareness and help bring customers in from the moment you open your doors.
- National brand campaigns that build awareness, credibility, and desire at scale
- Localized marketing strategies tailored to your specific market and customer base
- Digital marketing tools, social media support, and content resources
- Grand opening programming to make your launch moment count
- Ongoing promotional campaigns tied to seasonal events and brand initiatives
You focus on running a great operation and delivering an exceptional guest experience. We'll make sure your market knows exactly where to find you.
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The fast-casual restaurant segment is one of the most resilient and consistently growing categories in all of food service — and Capriotti's is positioned right at the center of it, with the brand strength and operational infrastructure to back it up.
Why franchisees choose Capriotti's:
- Proven business model — operational infrastructure built and refined to support franchisee success
- Broad consumer appeal — the sandwich category is known for wide demographic reach and strong repeat visit behavior
- Fast-casual tailwinds — the category continues to expand driven by evolving dining preferences and a shift away from traditional fast food
- Real product differentiation — our handcrafted quality and loyal customer base set us apart from commodity competitors
Capriotti's isn't just a smart investment in the food service industry — it's an investment in a brand with the momentum, the model, and the team to help you grow. If you're ready to explore what ownership could look like for you, let's start the conversation today.
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Capriotti's was founded in 1976 in Wilmington, Delaware by siblings Lois and Alan Margolet, who named the shop after their Uncle Bob — a tribute that lives on in our most beloved sandwich, The Bobbie. Made with slow-roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo, The Bobbie has been called one of the best sandwiches in America.
From a single shop in Delaware, Capriotti's has grown into a thriving national brand — built on a passion for handcrafted food, genuine hospitality, and a commitment to doing things the Capriotti's Way. That foundation of quality and authenticity is what draws franchisees to the brand and keeps customers coming back for decades.
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The total investment to open a Capriotti's location varies based on factors like market, real estate, and build-out requirements. Costs typically encompass the initial franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, signage, initial inventory, and working capital — all of which are fully detailed in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
We encourage every prospective franchisee to request and carefully review the FDD, which provides a complete, transparent breakdown of all estimated startup costs. Our franchise team is happy to walk you through the numbers and answer any questions during your discovery process.
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Getting started with Capriotti's is a clear, step-by-step process designed to make sure it's the right fit — for you and for us. Here's what the journey typically looks like:
- Submit an initial inquiry or application through our franchise development team
- Connect for an introductory conversation to explore mutual fit
- Receive and carefully review our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Speak with existing franchisees during your validation phase — we encourage it
- Attend a Discovery Day to meet our leadership team and experience the brand firsthand
- Receive approval and execute your franchise agreement
- Complete our comprehensive training program and prepare for your grand opening
The process is designed to be thorough, not lengthy. Most candidates move from initial inquiry to signed agreement within a few months. Ready to take the first step? Let's connect.
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While Capriotti's does not directly provide financing, we actively support franchisees in navigating their funding options. We work with preferred SBA brokers and lenders who are familiar with our model, and our franchise structure may qualify for SBA loan programs — making financing more accessible for qualified candidates.
Our franchise development team can connect you with lending resources and help you understand what to expect throughout the financing process. Full details on financing-related disclosures are outlined in our FDD.
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Protected territory is available to franchisees who commit to multi-unit growth through our Development Rights Agreement (DRA). Under the DRA, you receive a defined territory in which no other Capriotti's location can be developed — and that protection remains in place for as long as your agreement is in good standing. Each restaurant you open under the DRA carries its own individual Franchise Agreement.
It's worth noting that protected territory is a feature of the DRA, not of a single Franchise Agreement. If you're coming to Capriotti's with a vision to build and grow, the DRA is the structure designed exactly for that — and our franchise development team can walk you through every detail.
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Yes — Capriotti's proudly supports veterans who are ready to take the next step into business ownership. We offer specific incentives for qualified veteran candidates as part of our commitment to those who have served.
Details on veteran programs and eligibility are available through our franchise development team and are outlined in our FDD. If you're a veteran exploring franchise ownership, we'd be honored to learn more about your background and goals. Reach out and let's start the conversation.
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Franchising with Capriotti's is a true partnership built on integrity — and our fee structure reflects that. Ongoing fees are designed to directly fuel the brand growth, operational excellence, and marketing muscle that support and strengthen your business.
- Royalty fee — a percentage of gross sales that funds the systems, support, and innovation that keep Capriotti's ahead of the competition
- National and local marketing contributions — putting your dollars to work driving customers through your doors
These contributions help fund brand-wide marketing campaigns, hands-on operational support and coaching, ongoing menu innovation, nationwide brand expansion, and brand safeguarding — the infrastructure that works for you every day.
Full details, including exact percentages, are outlined in our most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Request yours today to get the full picture.
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Yes — and they're worth asking about. Capriotti's periodically offers meaningful incentives and discounts for qualified candidates, including programs for veterans, multi-unit developers, and franchisees entering targeted growth markets.
These opportunities are typically time-sensitive and tied to specific qualifications, so we encourage you to connect with our franchise team now to find out exactly what's on the table for you. The right timing can make a real difference.
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Capriotti's is built for owners who are engaged — especially during the critical early stages when your hands-on leadership has the greatest impact on your business. This isn't passive income; it's an active opportunity where your passion and involvement directly shape your operation.
The good news: as your operation matures and your team grows, many franchise owners find increasing flexibility. And for those who build multiple locations, the model becomes even more scalable.
If you're looking for an opportunity where your active leadership makes a real, lasting difference — Capriotti's is built for you. Ready to explore what that looks like? Let's start a conversation.
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When you join Capriotti's, you're not starting from scratch — you're plugging into a fully integrated technology stack designed to take the complexity out of running a modern restaurant operation.
From day one, you'll have access to purpose-built tools that streamline day-to-day operations, empower data-driven decisions, and ensure a consistent, high-quality guest experience across every location. These aren't add-ons — they're competitive advantages baked right into your franchise from the start.
Our tech systems are designed to help you operate efficiently, grow confidently, and spend more time building your business and less time troubleshooting. Full details are covered during our discovery process — connect with us to learn more.
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Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a franchise owner — and at Capriotti's, you won't make it alone. Our experienced team works alongside you from start to finish to identify and secure high-potential locations that set you up for long-term success.
- Market and demographic analysis to identify high-traffic, high-potential trade areas
- Site evaluation and approval so you can move forward with confidence
- Lease negotiation guidance to protect your interests and your bottom line
- Store design and layout planning tailored to maximize efficiency and the guest experience
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Most franchisees go from signed agreement to grand opening in 6 to 12 months. That timeline can vary depending on real estate availability, local permitting, and construction — all factors our team actively helps you navigate.
- Real estate availability and lease execution
- Local permitting and licensing timelines
- Construction and build-out completion
Our team is with you through every stage, so you're never left waiting and wondering. Before you know it, you'll be serving the handcrafted sandwiches your community is going to love.
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