Meet multi-unit franchise partner, Jason Cooper. Jason's path from sandwich enthusiast to Capriotti’s franchise partner is marked by passion and dedication. Like our President, Jason Smylie, and CEO, Ashley Morris, Jason fell in love with Capriotti’s sandwiches while a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Jason’s journey with Capriotti’s began in the late '90s when he first discovered his love for our mouth-watering sandwiches. Upon receiving his degree in Hospitality Administration from UNLV, Jason embarked on a successful career in the competitive restaurant industry in Las Vegas, serving as Director of Operations at several notable restaurants along the Las Vegas Strip. This was followed by his role as managing partners in concepts in both Washington state and Canada.
Sarasota Welcomes Capriotti's with Open Arms
After many years of building a successful career in the restaurant and hospitality industry, his family’s desire to relocate to a warmer climate drew him back to Capriotti's, turning a cherished memory into a thriving business venture. Jason opened his first Capriotti’s in Sarasota, Florida, nestled near the shores of Anna Maria Island—one of America’s top ten beaches—this spot promised high traffic and great visibility.
Along with having a great location, the community response was overwhelming, "During our opening week, we saw an incredible turnout from both locals and tourists eager to experience what Capriotti’s had to offer," Jason stated. Due to this incredible response, Jason further explained that while Sarasota was a new market for Capriotti’s, the brand is well-known nationally, so for many locals, it was an exciting opportunity to “finally get a taste of the extraordinary food at Capriotti’s” as expressed by many new customers.
What’s Jason's Strategic Approach for Expansion?
While Jason is deeply involved in his business, he leads from a strategic perspective, leveraging his operational expertise and real estate expertise. Jason focuses on scouting prime locations, fostering brand development, and overseeing the financial and marketing aspects.
To keep everything running smoothly at his Capriotti’s location, Jason brought in a managing partner who deeply understands the ins and outs of daily operations. This lets him stay focused on the larger goals, like planning future expansions while ensuring the business remains profitable. “I’m really proud of my team for their amazing job getting Capriotti’s started in Sarasota. I’ve partnered up with a great leader who knows how to properly run our restaurants,” Jason said about his team.
Multi-unit Growth
Jason recognized the multi-unit opportunities offered by introducing Capriotti’s to a brand new market, “I’ve seen firsthand the potential for growth with Capriotti’s,” Jason shared. “The brand not only supports its franchise partners at every step but also actively works to innovate and improve, which is essential for keeping the business dynamic and competitive. That’s why I’m confident in opening more locations—it’s a smart choice for anyone looking to build a strong, scalable business.”
Jason knows this well. His decision to franchise with Capriotti’s was not only made due to our extraordinary food, but he also knew that he would be supported by an organization that respects and supports the operational strengths that he brings to the table.
Why Should You Own a Capriotti’s?
When sitting down with Jason and discussing the reason why he decided to become a Capriotti’s franchise partner, it was undoubtedly clear how we stand apart from many other franchising opportunities. When you franchise with Capriotti’s, you not only align with a well-established and recognized brand but also benefit from a close-knit, family-like atmosphere, as shown through our core values. This combination offers a national name's credibility and the personal touch of a smaller community-focused business.
What’s Jason’s Vision for the Future?
The introduction of Capriotti's in Sarasota was met with enthusiasm, much like the reunion with an old friend who brings fantastic sandwiches wherever they go! The community's positive response is a testament to our brand’s appeal and Jason's strategic vision. His Sarasota location has quickly become a favorite dining spot for locals, drawing both longtime fans and newcomers, which ignites excitement for the additional locations Jason plans to open in the Florida market.
Jason Cooper envisions a robust expansion of Capriotti's across Florida. His approach emphasizes quality, community engagement, and strategic growth, underscoring his commitment to bringing more of Capriotti’s beloved sandwiches to new fans!
