With nearly 50 years of history and a rapidly growing national footprint, Capriotti’s is doubling down on operational excellence to support its expanding network of franchise partners. This commitment is a driving force behind the brand’s success, rooted in a culture of consistency, clarity, and continuous improvement.
Few understand that better than Ron Martinez, Capriotti’s Senior Director of Training. With nearly two decades of experience in the system, Ron has grown alongside the brand, progressing from restaurant supervisor to overseeing more than 50 national openings and developing Capriotti’s best-in-class training platform. His hands-on experience has shaped the brand’s approach to operational readiness, franchise partner development, and scalable support systems.
An Immersive, Custom-Fit Training Experience
Training is never a one-size-fits-all process at Capriotti’s; it’s a carefully curated and in-depth journey designed to meet each franchise partner where they are and give them more than enough resources.
“We start months in advance,” says Ron. “Before franchise partners even walk into their in-person training, they already have access to mobile-first tools like the 1Huddle app. It helps them understand our systems, products, and expectations so they walk in confidently, not green.”
Once training begins, partners go through a comprehensive, four-week, hands-on program at a certified training location. They learn the business by doing—running every station, writing schedules, managing inventory, and developing leadership skills in real-time, all while getting time with each of Capriotti’s department teams. By week four, they’re expected to lead their team as if it were their own restaurant—because soon, it will be.
“It’s intense,” Ron admits. “Six days a week, four weeks straight—it’s like drinking from a firehose. But it works. They leave prepared.”
Ongoing Support and Operational Reinforcement
The learning doesn’t stop after week four. Capriotti’s ensures franchisees receive two additional weeks of opening support in-store—ensuring they’re ready to operate successfully from day one. And if more support is needed, the brand is ready with a third wave of assistance that includes IT onboarding, advanced systems help, and even in some cases extended senior trainer time on-site.
“We're not going to leave someone overwhelmed,” Ron says. “If we see a need, we send support. Our goal is to help you build muscle memory and strong routines around labor, inventory, and food quality—so your restaurant runs smoothly.”
Weekly calls, group texts, and scheduled check-ins continue post-opening, helping franchisees stay connected to operations, planning, and product execution. Each partner also receives a customized ordering calendar, laminated and posted in-store, to streamline recurring tasks like inventory and scheduling.
Franchisees as Partners in Excellence
What makes Capriotti’s stand out, Ron says, is the brand’s belief in partnership. “Franchisees come from all walks of life—real estate, food service, tech—and what unites them is their passion for our food and their drive to build something great. Our job is to harness that passion, build their confidence, and stay beside them as partners, not just providers.”
Capriotti’s team holds weekly operations meetings, produces monthly newsletters, and hosts webinars to keep franchisees informed about the latest initiatives. And tools like 1Huddle make continuous learning easier, whether they’re onboarding new managers or rolling out a new LTO.
The Path Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Maintaining consistent operational standards across new locations is key at Capriotti’s as the brand continues to grow at a record pace. That’s why the team remains focused on long-term franchisee outcomes, not just quick openings.
“We’ve built a system that doesn’t leave any gaps,” Ron says. “From the first sub you make to your 100th schedule, we’ve got the resources, tools, and people in place to help you succeed.”
Capriotti’s ability to adapt, support, and scale efficiently gives it a unique advantage in the fast-casual space. Whether it’s leveraging premium ingredients like American Wagyu or enhancing training through cutting-edge platforms, the brand remains committed to delivering operational excellence—one sandwich, one shop, and one franchise partner at a time.
