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When choosing to franchise with a brand, the design and construction process can make or break the experience. Building your store is critical to a smooth launch, long-term profitability, and overall franchisee satisfaction. At Capriotti’s, franchisees never have to navigate it alone.
Behind every design journey is a dedicated team that works closely with owners to bring their location to life—on time, on budget, and built to deliver premium experiences from day one. At the heart of that team is Dan Faris, Assistant Vice President of Brand Expansion, who has guided countless franchisees through the entire buildout process, from initial site planning to opening day.
In the Trenches with Franchisees
Dan brings over 20 years of construction experience, including commercial electrical work, technology, and million-dollar building renovations. His diverse background provides him with a well-rounded understanding of the entire buildout process, allowing him to anticipate challenges and guide franchisees with confidence.
“It’s my job to get stores open as quickly as possible,” Dan states. But behind that is a deeply involved and highly collaborative process. Once a franchisee secures a location through our site selection support, Dan and his team get to work—connecting them with architects, supporting preliminary design, navigating permits, and staying in close contact with construction crews to troubleshoot issues in real-time. From there, it’s a coordinated process to get ready for opening day:
Site surveys and preliminary layouts
Design reviews by construction, ops, and external kitchen designers
Full architectural drawings (30-day turnaround)
Permit approvals (ranging from 3 weeks to 8+ months)
Final construction (90–110 days)
IT setup, signage, inspections, and marketing coordination
“We’re talking to the franchisees weekly throughout the process, and sometimes daily in the final stretch before their opening,” Dan says. “We’re on calls with contractors, architects, the franchisee…anyone who needs to be looped in.”
What Makes Capriotti’s Construction Support Different?
Unlike other brands where construction support can be transactional or hands-off, Capriotti’s is highly personal and transparent. “This isn’t just a few emails and a checklist. We’re fully there for 8 to 10 months, working on everything from design reviews to site inspections,” Dan shares. “If a franchisee has a question, they’re not alone. We’re an open book and get them an answer, or we connect them directly to the right person who can provide one.”
Throughout the entire journey, Dan and his team become a trusted partner for each and every franchisee. That trust and accessibility are what make franchising with Capriotti’s a truly unique and welcoming experience. “Our job is to answer questions, catch problems early, and make sure the store is built to spec,” he states. “We make sure the franchisees are never guessing what’s coming next, and know that we’ve got their back.”
Designing for Efficiency and Visual Impact
As trends evolve, so does the approach to store design at Capriotti’s. Dan and his team constantly look for ways to maximize both cost-efficiency and visual appeal—using approved materials that maintain the brand’s signature look while saving time and installation costs.
“We’re not afraid to explore new materials or tweaks that preserve our identity but make execution easier,” Dan explains. “It’s about being smart with the budget while never compromising on quality.”
Seeing It All Come to Life
For Dan, the most rewarding part is the grand opening day. “Seeing the lights come on, the doors open, and the line of customers is the best part of my job,” he states. “I love seeing things happen from start to finish. After months of hard work, it’s incredible to watch franchisees realize their dream and start generating revenue.”
At Capriotti’s, we don’t just hand over a set of plans and wish franchisees luck. It’s a hands-on approach with support, clarity, and confidence at every step. When you franchise with us, you get the chance to turn a space into a thriving restaurant that provides award-winning sandwiches and premium experiences.
Interested in opening your own Capriotti’s? Explore the process and support waiting for you at ownacapriottis.com.
